Stages Involved In Obtaining A Permit

Planning a property in the town involves several procedures. Before obtaining the permit for the same, many formalities have to be accomplished.

This article deals with the stages involved in the process. The process of planning permit Melbourne has many key stages. They are:

Stage: 1: Control procedures, Design and Pre-application meeting

Before you plan for any property, it is very important to acquaint yourself with planning control procedures. You can know about the related controls by:

• Undertaking the planning assessment via Hub Town Planning

• Undertake a site review through Planning Schemes or Land Channel online

In order to develop a concrete plan, architects and designers need to cooperate and make joint efforts. The final design shall include all the requisite details of the proposed development in compliance with the local and state policies.

It is also recommended that you have a pre-application meeting with the Council Planning Officer to bring to his/her knowledge about the proposal you are about to submit.

Stage: 2: Submission of an application

Depending upon the kind of permit required you need to prepare an application including the following details.

• An application for the form of planning for the permit

• The prescribed fee (usually $800-$1000 for residential properties)

• Report of planning assessment

• Latest Title Certificate

• Copy of drawings and plans

• Reports of specialists, if any

Stage: 3: Verification of the application at the council

The application is scrutinised by the Council Planning Officers to ensure that it is complete in all respects. If any additional information is required, then they shall request for the same. The application shall also be scrutinised by other concerned internal departments and external agencies as well.

Stage: 4: Public Notification

The Victorian Planning System ensures that everyone has a chance to comment on the planning of permit if they are affected by it in any way. Hence, a public notification is given either in the form of ads in the newspaper, on-site signage or by direct mails. However, if the council feels that the application does not have any negative impact, then they may also avoid the process of public notification.

Stage: 5: Assessment by the Council

After the completion of the period of notification, the officers of the Council Planning prepare a report which outlines the following:

• The proposal

• The applicable policies and planning schemes

• Assessment procedure

• Referral comments or objections, if any

The Councillor takes the final decision.

Stage: 6: Approval

Council issues the permit if no objections are raised. If there are objections, notice of decision to grant the permit shall be issued and all those who object it shall lodge their respective applications within a period of 21 days at VCAT.

Proper planning from the initial stages shall ensure obtaining the approval and completion of the project on time.