Planning and Permits
Statutory Planning
Golden Plains Shire Council is a Responsible Authority under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 for the administration and enforcement of the Golden Plains Planning Scheme. The control of land use and development through the planning scheme is one of the most important tools available to Council in implementing its planning policies and strategies. The Strategic Planning area provides the necessary tools to manage land use change.
Planning Permits
Council's Planning Team provides information and advice about when a planning permit is required and the process involved. Planning officers will consider whether or not to grant a planning permit, and what conditions are appropriate. Some planning applications are referred to a meeting of Council for a decision.
Many types of uses and development require a planning permit, including (but not limited to):
- Clearing or lopping of native vegetation;
- Building a house or a shed;
- Establishing a business (including working from home);
- Industrial or Commercial development;
- Keeping animals;
- Subdivision
It is recommended that you contact Council's Planning Team to determine if your proposal requires a planning permit. Please contact Customer Service for more information.
FAQ
1. Do I need a planning permit?
Whether you need a planning permit or not will depend on the zone in which your land is located, whether any overlays apply to your land or if the development is subject to any particular provisions. This information can be found in the Golden Plains Planning Scheme, or you can contact the Planning Team to discuss your proposal.
2. How do I apply for a planning permit?
If you require a planning permit, you will need to:
- Complete an application
- Provide appropriate supporting information. This will change depending on the type of application and a planner can provide more specific advice
- Provide a copy of title and any covenants/agreements applying to the land
- Provide plans showing the proposed development (siting and elevations and layout).
- Ensure that the property is clearly identified from the road so that inspections can be undertaken without delay
- Pay the appropriate fee
- Lodge the application
The application form and fee schedule can be obtained from the Forms and Applications page.
If your proposal is complex, or if you are not sure what information you need to submit with your application, it is recommended that you arrange a pre-application meeting with a planner. Please contact Customer Service for more information.
3. How long will it take for the planning permit to be ready?
Obtaining a planning permit can take from a fortnight or up to a number of months, depending on the complexity of the proposal and if objections are received. Providing all necessary supporting information early on will hasten the process. A pre-application meeting will assist in determining the information necessary to assess your application.
4. What is the process?
If Council believes that your proposal may have a detrimental impact upon surrounding residents, such as your neighbours, you may be required to give notice of your proposal. The advertising required may involve sending a notice to the neighbours, placing a notice on the site or a notice in the local paper.
In response to the advertising, neighbours may object to the proposal. These objections must state how the proposal will affect them. Council must take into account the concerns raised in objections. Council may arrange a consultation meeting to attempt to resolve any concerns.
In some circumstances, Council may be required under the Planning Scheme to refer your application to a number of statutory authorities. Such authorities could be a water or sewerage, electricity or telecommunications provider, road authority, fire brigade or flood plain management authority. Referral authorities usually have 28 days to respond to an application upon receipt, provided the applicant has given sufficient information.
Council may decide to either approve or refuse an application. In most circumstances, Applicants and objectors have an opportunity to appeal a decision if they are not satisfied. Appeals are dealt with by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)
