Planning Permit Application Assessment Procedure

Purpose. This procedure describes how planning permit applications are received, checked, referred, advertised, assessed and decided under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and the Brightwater Planning Scheme.

1.Lodgement and completeness check

Every application must be registered in the planning application register on the day it is lodged and the fee receipted. Within five business days the planner must check that the application includes a completed form, a copy of title, plans to scale and any required reports, and must request further information in writing if anything is missing.

2.Zone and overlay check

The planner must identify the zone, overlays and particular provisions that apply to the land and record them in the register. Applications on land affected by a heritage overlay must be referred to the heritage adviser. Applications on land where native title has not been extinguished must be checked for notification obligations.

3.Referrals and notice

Applications must be referred to the referral authorities listed in the scheme and to internal engineering, environmental health and local laws officers. Where notice is required, the planner must send letters to adjoining owners and occupiers and display a sign on the land for at least 14 days.

4.Assessment

The planner must assess the proposal against the purpose and decision guidelines of the zone and overlays, the planning policy framework, and any objections received. The assessment must be recorded in the standard assessment report with a clear recommendation.

• Minor applications: delegated to the planning officer
• Applications with objections: delegated to the Manager Planning and Building
• Applications called in by a councillor: decided by council

5.Decision

The delegate must issue a permit, a notice of decision to grant a permit, or a refusal within the statutory 60 days. Every condition must relate to the planning considerations of the application. The decision and the date must be recorded in the register.

6.Review

An applicant or objector can apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for review. The planner must prepare the file and a statement of grounds within the tribunal's timeframe.