Submitting a town planning application in Victoria is critical for any development project. Whether you’re a homeowner planning an extension, a property investor looking to develop land, or a business needing approval for a commercial project, understanding the process is essential. At Diamatrix Planning, we specialize in preparing and submitting town planning applications that comply with local council requirements, ensuring a smooth approval process.
Our team is well-versed in the Victorian Planning Provisions and well-placed to lead the planning application phase of your project, working with the project team, the Responsible Authority (most often your local Council) and all relevant stakeholders toward a positive planning outcome.
A planning permit is a legal document that grants permission to use or develop land in a specific manner and ensures that the proposed use or development complies with local planning regulations.
It typically includes conditions and approved plans that must be adhered to throughout development.
A town planning application is a formal request submitted to the local council seeking approval for land use or development changes. It outlines the proposed project and demonstrates how it complies with the requirements of the relevant planning scheme, including state and local policies.
A planning permit gives you legal permission for a land use or development.
Planning applications are submitted to the Council and processed by statutory planning officers. The planning scheme consists of zones, overlays, and other provisions determining whether a permit is required.
Overlays operate in addition to zones. An overlay may seek to achieve specific design and building standards for the land, including bushfire, environmental, flood, heritage, land management, and parking.
Not all land is subject to an overlay. If an overlay applies to a parcel of land, it may specify additional requirements regarding subdivisions, buildings and works, vegetation removal, and other matters.
One should not assume that works, because they are small, do not require a permit.
At Diamatrix Planning, we simplify the town planning application process with a structured, strategic approach.
Before preparing your application, we:
A detailed site analysis is conducted to ensure your proposal aligns with council regulations. We assist in:
Once all documentation is in place, we:
In some cases, applications require public notification. This involves:
Once submitted, the council will:
If your application is approved, we:
We conduct detailed zoning research and propose solutions that align with council planning schemes.
Our team manages stakeholder engagement, addressing concerns to prevent disputes.
We ensure a complete and compliant submission to minimize processing time.
We work with specialists to incorporate necessary impact assessments and compliance measures.
Our services are essential for:
Maximize land use potential and secure necessary planning permits for commercial, residential, or mixed-use developments.
Ensure your home extensions, renovations, or new builds comply with council regulations.
Collaborate with experienced town planners for seamless project approvals and compliance.
Gain the required approvals for office buildings, retail spaces, and industrial developments.
Our team has in-depth knowledge of local planning regulations and council approval processes.
We provide tailored planning strategies to align with your specific development goals.
Our experience in handling complex town planning applications ensures higher approval rates.
From pre-application advice to post-approval guidance, we assist you at every stage.
The Planning & Environment Regulations stipulate that planning applications should be processed within 60 days. However, processing times vary between councils and may take 3 to 6 months. A professional submission by a town planner is likely to reduce the timeframe significantly.
What requires a planning permit will depend on the requirements of the planning scheme relating to the subject site and what is proposed. It is not usually very straightforward in Victoria.
Projects that usually require a planning permit for which Diamatrix Planning can help are as follows:
Yes, we provide VCAT representation to challenge council refusals.
The price varies based on the scope and details of your project. Simple applications might cost a few thousand dollars, while larger developments or VCAT appeals can be more. A town planner helps you avoid costly mistakes, making their service a smart investment in getting your project approved smoothly.