Planning Applications

On average, Council issues around 150 planning permits per year, with the bulk of these related to single dwelling developments or alterations and extensions to single dwellings.

Council's Town Planning Department is responsible for applying the planning policy and guidelines contained within the Queenscliffe Planning Scheme to all new developments and buildings in Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale that require a planning permit.

If you wish to make changes to buildings on your property it is likely that you will need a planning permit. Working out whether a planning permit is required or not can be complicated, as permit requirements are dependant on the zoning and overlay requirements that apply to the property. It is suggested that you contact Council's planning department for advice.

To view information on current planning applications made available for public viewing - click HERE.

The planning permit process

The planning permit system is used to ensure that development in the municipality is managed effectively, is suitable for its surroundings, and considers possible environmental and heritage impacts.

Planning permit applications are assessed against the Queenscliffe Planning Scheme and in most cases the assessment process provides an opportunity for the community to have a say on an application before a decision is made. An appeal can be made against a decision where parties are unhappy with the outcome.

The planning application and assessment process is set by the Victorian Government and involves a number of different stages. These are nominated in the Planning and Environment Act 1987.The amount of time it takes to assess an application depends on the size and complexity of the application, whether or not it attracts any objections, and how the decision is made (ie under officer delegation or by Council at a formal Council meeting).

Council is mindful that planning permit applicants are often under time and financial pressures, and seeks to process all applications as efficiently as possible. Generally it takes around 8-10 weeks for a decision to be made on a planning permit.

The following link provides an overview of the planning permit process:
Using Victoria's Planning System

Lodging a planning permit application

Most people, at some stage, will want to make some changes to their home or property, and may need to lodge a planning permit application with Council. It is important that you find out exactly what planning controls apply to your property before you begin. This information can be obtained via:

• Queenscliffe Planning Scheme http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/queenscliffe/home.html

• In person at the Borough of Queenscliffe offices, 50 Learmonth Street, Queenscliff

• A planning certificate, which can be issued by Council at a cost.

Your application must be accompanied by a completed Application for a Planning Permit Form, payment of the required fee, and a current Certificate of Title. If you do not have a current certificated title, you can obtain one from the Land Information Centre. (link is attached)

In addition, there are number of specific requirements for each type of permit application, please refer to Council’s Checklists, fact sheets and forms for details. To ensure that your application is processed quickly and efficiently, it is essential that the information specified on the checklists is provided with your application.

Public notification of an application and lodging an objection

When a planning permit application is lodged, the Council planner will determine whether public notification is required. Where there is possible material detriment, a planning permit application is always advertised. Depending on the size and possible impacts of the application, this could take the form of:

• Direct mail notification via registered mail
  
• On-site signage
  
• Advertisement in the Echo
• A sign on the noticeboard at Council's offices.
  
  If public notification is required, it must be carried out for a period of at least 14 consecutive days, during this time, any person can make a submission either in support or objection to the proposed permit. Council's guide to public notification provides information on this process.

The Victorian planning system is set up to ensure that you have the opportunity to comment on a planning permit that may affect you, before a decision is made. Anyone can lodge an objection to a planning permit application, and Council must consider all objections when assessing the application.

Objections can be lodged with Council any time up to when a decision is made, however objections are usually lodged during the 14 day period during which the application is advertised. Once you have lodged an objection, Council is required to advise you of any decision made on the application. You will also be advised of any relevant meetings held to consider the application.

To lodge and objection you need to either:

• Complete an Planning Permit Objection form, or
• Write a letter or email, which includes your name and contact details (including address), the planning application number, address of the property in question, and a statement of how the proposal will affect you.
  

You can lodge your written objection by:

Post: Borough of Queenscliffe, PO Box 93, Queenscliff Vic 3225.

Email: info@queenscliffe.vic.gov.au please clearly state ‘objection to (insert planning application number)’ in the subject line.

In person: 50 Learmonth Street, Queenscliff.