This guide explains the steps you’ll need to take to apply for a planning permit and what happens after you apply. You can also download the planning process flowchart(PDF, 206KB), which takes you through the process step-by-step.
Step 1
Our self-service planning application portal will help determine if you need a permit for the works or activities you propose to undertake on your land.
After you access the portal and enter the site location, the portal will display the relevant zones and overlays relating to your property.
If you choose to proceed, the portal will capture the information you’ve entered and will use that in your application.
Access the online planning application portal
Step 2
The Whittlesea Planning Scheme includes guidelines and policies for various land use and development types. You should check which zones and overlays affect your property and read the relevant sections of the Whittlesea Planning Scheme to ensure you follow the guidelines and adhere to any other applicable planning regulations.
The guidelines and policies will help you prepare the relevant documentation for your application, and they’ll help you explain any changes to the standard requirements in the Whittlesea Planning Scheme.
Zones and overlays
Under the Whittlesea Planning Scheme, every property is located in a specific zone that reflects the primary use of that land, such as residential, industrial or rural.
As well as a zone, your land may have overlays, like areas of significant vegetation or special heritage significance. Overlays ensure that important aspects of the land are recognised.
Your property’s zone, applicable overlays and other planning controls determine whether you need a planning permit for your intended works.
It’s important to find out which planning scheme controls affect your property before you apply for a planning permit. You can request a free report to determine what specific zone and overlay conditions apply.
Check the Whittlesea Planning Scheme
Step 3
A planning pre-application advice consultation allows you to receive initial guidance and direction about your proposal. Any advice given in a pre-application advice consultation is of a preliminary nature only.
You can submit a pre-application advice request, after which a planning officer will contact you to arrange a mutually convenient time. This service is provided free of charge, and you must submit supporting documentation.
If you’re unable to provide supporting documentation and are after general planning advice, you can ask to speak with a planning officer at our Building and Planning counter or you can ask for general advice over the phone on 03 9217 2170.
If you’re after written advice, you’ll need to submit a Planning Property Information Request.
Submit a pre-application advice request
Step 4
See our page about applying for a planning permit for detailed information on how to apply, including what fees to pay and what documents to include with your application.
After you lodge your application, we’ll send you an email with:
- the name and contact details of the planning officer handling your application
- your application reference number.
Submit your application via the planning application portal
Step 5
The planning officer assigned to your application will undertake an initial assessment. They may determine that we need more information before they can assess your application further.
Request for more information
If we need more information, we’ll send you a letter outlining the remaining requirements and a deadline by which you must submit the information.
If you don’t provide all the information we need by the deadline or request an extension in the online planning application portal, your application will lapse and the application process will end.
If you still need a planning permit, you must submit a new application and pay the fee again.
Step 6
Your application may need to be publicly advertised to neighbouring owners and occupiers.
For a fee, we’ll send letters to affected owners and occupiers on your behalf and provide you with a sign to place on the subject site.
Our advertising service fees are:
- On-site public notice advertising an application: $256.80
- Letters sent to adjoining owners/occupiers and any other affected properties: $16.35 per letter.
The public notification period must last for at least 14 full days. During this period, any person can use the planning register to formally object to the application.
Access the planning register
Step 7
Council will consider the objections in its assessment. The application may need to be reported to a Council meeting.
Step 8
The possible outcomes of your planning permit application include:
- approval
- refusal
- Notice of Decision (where objections have been received.)
Step 9
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) is a Victorian Government tribunal that deals with many kinds of disputes, including town planning disputes between people and local councils.
Applicants or objectors who disagree with Council’s decision on a planning permit application can apply to VCAT to review Council’s decision.
How to appeal to VCAT
You can find information on how to apply for a review of Council’s decision on the back of the following documents.
- planning permit
- notice of decision to grant a planning permit
- refusal to grant a planning permit
VCAT review process for planning permits
- Download and fill in the Application for Review form from the VCAT website.
- Send the completed form to the Application Registrar of the Planning List and pay the application fee.
VCAT decisions
One or more members of VCAT will decide on your application for review. VCAT decisions can only be appealed to the Supreme Court on a question of law.
Step 10
In addition to your planning permit, you may need additional permits or approvals before starting your building works. These could include:
If you have further questions or need help, please contact us on 03 217 2170 or email buildplan@whittlesea.vic.gov.au.