Apply for a Planning Permit

When lodging a planning permit application, you must provide a full, current copy of title (no older than 60 days) for each parcel of land included in your application. You can obtain a copy of your title from LandData by following these steps:  

• Go to the LandData website and select "Title & Property Certificates" under the Title & Property Information section.  
• Enter the property address and confirm the details.  
• Tick the boxes for "Register Search Statement" and "Copy of Plan" to ensure you receive the necessary documents.  
• Click Next and follow the prompts to complete your request.  

If your land is subject to a covenant or Section 173 Agreement, be sure to request copies of these documents as well, as they must be submitted with your application.

A full copy of title will include:  

• Register Search Statement (ownership details)  
• Plan of Subdivision (showing lot boundaries)  
• Any registered covenants or Section 173 Agreements  
• Any memorandum of common provisions applicable to the property 

Read this guide on how to download a full copy of title

VicSmart is a streamlined planning process for straightforward applications. The planning scheme identifies what classes of application are eligible for VicSmart and specifies what information is required to be provided, assessment processes and decision guidelines.  

Key features of VicSmart include:  

• A decision is expected to be made within 10 business days  
• Applications are exempt from advertising  
• An applicant is required to submit all necessary information with the application including any referral authority approval (produced in the last 3 months) before lodging the application with Council.  

Not all applications are eligible for the VicSmart process. To understand if your proposal is eligible to be lodged as a VicSmart and to understand the application requirements, please contact the planning department. 

The assessment of a planning permit application follows a structured process with seven  key steps-   

Step 1: Lodgement and Fee Payment 

Once all required documents are uploaded into Greenlight, the application can be submitted. Shortly after lodgement, the nominated contact will receive an email notification with the required lodgement fee and the name of the assigned planner. Payment must be made online via the Greenlight portal before the application proceeds to assessment. 

Step 2: Referrals 

Some applications must be referred to external authorities for assessment. Referral authorities, such as Barwon Water, Powercor, CFA, or the Department of Transport, have 28 days to respond. The authorities may require more information or consent to the application with/ without conditions. 

Step 3: Further Information 

If additional information is required, Council will request them within 28 days for standard applications and 5 days for VicSmart applications. Applicants will receive an email outlining the additional information required and a deadline for submission. The application will be placed on hold until all necessary information is provided. 

Step 4: Public Notice (Advertising) 

If Council determines that the proposal may impact surrounding properties, public notice (advertising) may be required. This may involve notifying neighbouring properties, placing a sign on the site, or publishing a notice in the newspaper. Council arranges the advertising and will issue an additional invoice for associated costs. The advertising period generally lasts for 14 days, during which time objections can be submitted. 

Step 5: Objections 

During the public notice period, affected parties may lodge objections explaining how the proposal impacts them. Council must consider these concerns and may arrange a consultation meeting between the applicant and objectors to address any issues raised. In some cases, modifications to the proposal can help resolve concerns. 

Step 6: Decision 

Once the public notice period concludes, Council will assess the application and either approve or refuse the permit.  

Step 7: Post – Decision  

If the applicant or objectors are unhappy with Council’s decision, an appeal could be lodged with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) within the specified timeframe. Permits may also include conditions which need to be addressed, such as amended plans.  

The time required varies depending on the complexity of the proposal, whether referrals and advertising are needed, and if objections are received. On average, applicants should allow 60–90 days for processing, though some applications may be completed sooner while others may take longer. Providing all necessary information at the time of lodgement can help speed up the process. 

Most planning applications require public notice.  

Some applications are specifically exempt from notice, such as VicSmart applications, or if the planning scheme specifies exemption from notice and review of the Act. Occasionally, Council may also waive public notice requirements if it is satisfied that no material detriment will be caused to any other person.   

When public notice is required for applications, Council will request a fee for advertisement, prepare the letters and arrange for the sign to be placed on the property in a visible location for the duration of the advertising period. 

 The process of notification may include: 

• Letters sent to nearby landowners and occupiers 
• A sign placed on the site 
• A notice published in the newspaper (for more significant developments – such as poultry farms - and for covenant variations)  
• Referrals to potentially impacted authorities like wind farms, extractive industries etc. 

The public notice period usually lasts 14 days, during which time people can view your plans and submit objections though the council website at Search Advertising Applications.   

To lodge a planning permit application via the Greenlight online portal, follow these steps: 

1. Access Greenlight – Visit the Golden Plains Shire Council website and navigate to the Planning Permits section. Click on the Greenlight planning portal link. 
2. If you are a first-time user, you will need to register to gain access. Else if you have a login and password, you may use it to gain access.  
3. Select Application Type – Choose the relevant type of request, such as a New Planning Application. 
4. Enter Property Details – Add the property address and title description, then click Save & Proceed. 
5. Describe the Proposal – Answer all questions fully, as this information will form the application form. Click Save & Proceed. 
6. Provide Applicant & Owner Details – Enter the applicant’s name, email, and ownership details, then click Save & Proceed. 
7. Upload Mandatory Documents – Attach all required documents as per the application checklist. Click Save & Proceed. You can upload any number of documents for your application.  
8. Complete the Checklist & Declaration – Review the checklist, accept the declaration, and click Save & Proceed to Submit. 

Once submitted, a confirmation email will be sent to the applicant. Council will also receive a notification and review the application. The lodgement fee will then be set, and an email will be sent with a payment link to finalise the process.  

Planning Permit fees are set by the Victorian Government and are the same across the state.  

View the current fee schedule here

Once you lodge your application, you will be invoiced with the full fee. The fee must be paid before Council will assess the application.  Please be advised that if the application is refused, any fees paid will not be refunded and Council has limited scope to waive or reduce fees.  

 Unfortunately, Council can’t recommend specific individuals or companies including 

• Town planners 
• Building designers or architects 
• Land surveyors 
• Arborists or environmental consultants 
• Traffic or acoustic engineers, depending on the type of development 

You may simply do a web search to find relevant help.  

The permit applicant is the person or organisation who submits the planning permit application. This could be the landowner, a planner, a developer, or someone acting on the owner’s behalf. 

The owner is the person or entity listed on the certificate of title as the legal owner of the land.  

Once a permit application is lodged, Council corresponds only with the permit applicant.  

It’s important to note that once a planning permit is granted, it runs with the land. This means the permit stays valid for the land regardless of ownership changes, and any future owners must comply with the permit conditions unless it is amended or cancelled. 

If objections are received during the public notice (advertising) period, Council will consider them when assessing the application. Objections must be based on valid planning concerns, such as impacts on amenity, traffic, privacy, or the environment. 

The council may contact both the applicant and objectors to discuss the concerns and may request for a written response from the applicant which will be sent to the objector for review or arrange a consultation meeting to try and resolve any issues. In some cases, the applicant may also choose to amend the plans to address the objections. 

After reviewing all objections and relevant planning controls, Council will make a decision to approve (with or without changes) or refuse the application. If the applicant or objectors are not satisfied with the decision, they may lodge an appeal with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). 

The applications on public notice period can be viewed on the council website at Search Advertising Applications.   

Council assesses each planning application against the Golden Plains Planning Scheme, which includes relevant zones, overlays, policies, and decision guidelines. 

Council considers: 

• The use and development proposed 
• The character of the area and how the proposal fits within it 
• Any objections received during public notice 
• Advice from referral authorities 
• The potential impact on the amenity, environment, and surrounding landowners 

Most applications are decided by Council’s planning officers under delegation. More complex or controversial applications, particularly those with significant objections or policy implications, may be decided at a Council Meeting. The final decision will either be to approve with conditions or refuse the application.