Learn how to apply
The most important part of successfully applying for a planning permit is thorough research and preparation. This website provides a range of information and resources to assist you in preparing an application for a planning permit.
Before you make a planning application to council, there are a number of steps to follow. You can also get an overview of the application process itself.
Step 1: Talk to your council planner
You may consider seeking advice from one of our Planners who will discuss your application with you. This will help you to identify what is required and what information to provide when lodging your application with us.
The planning officer will also be able to advise you on additional requirements for your application.
Find out what information must be provided with the application, and what relevant policies and provisions Council will use to assess it. Different information will need to be provided for different types of permit applications and might include site plans, elevation drawings or a written report.
Our Planning Permit Information Kit provides guidelines to ensure that the appropriate information is lodged to suit the type of Planning Permit Application you wish to complete.
In some cases the Minister for Planning is responsible for issuing planning permits – find out more about Ministerial Permits.
After you lodge the application, the planning officer will check it and advise you (in writing) within a reasonable time if further information is required. If they do, you should provide the information promptly, otherwise the application won't be processed further.
Step 2: Talk to your neighbours
Talk to your neighbours so you are aware of their concerns. Taking the time to talk to them at this early stage may save time later if changes can be made to the plans that address their concerns. Most people appreciate the opportunity to discuss plans before the formal notice process commences, although it will not always be possible to make changes that satisfy everybody.
Step 3: Get professional advice
Consider getting professional advice. Planning assessment and decision-making are sophisticated processes that involve concepts such as respecting neighbourhood character, achieving good urban design outcomes, protecting reasonable amenity and enhancing heritage significance. Council and the community are looking for proposals that will meet their expectations. Getting the right professional advice at the beginning will help develop your ideas so you meet council’s expectations and your objectives.
Step 4: Understand the process
The Planning and Environment Act 1987 establishes the planning permit application process. Chapter 3 of Using Victoria's Planning System describes the application process in detail and includes use of several diagrams. More details about the process are available below under Step 5 and more information.
Step 5: Prepare your application
Find out the steps involved and the information required to prepare your application.
Preparing you application
Planning practice and advisory notes relate to some types of permit proposals. They cover proposals such as applications in green wedge zones, where flood provisions apply and for dwellings in residential zones.
Planning: a Short Guide provides more detailed information about the permit and review processes for occasional users of the planning system.
Chapter 3 of Using Victoria's Planning System contains a more detailed guide to the process. It is designed to help professional planners, officers of authorities, Councillors, students, applicants and people affected by planning proposals
For a better understanding of the planning permit process, the State Government has produced a booklet called Planning a Short Guide.
Preparing your application
Once you have determined that a planning permit is required there are a number of steps to follow in preparing your permit application.
Step 1- Find out what information is required
Contact your councils' planning department to find out what information must be provided with the application, and what relevant policies and provisions Council will use to assess it. Different information will need to be provided for different types of permit applications and might include site plans, elevation drawings or a written report.
Step 2 - Get assistance – pre-application advice
Making a planning application can be complex. You may wish to consult a planning professional who can provide advice or prepare and lodge the application on your behalf.
Council officers can provide advice to applicants on whether the proposal is generally consistent with the Melton Planning Scheme.
Council's planning officers will be able to explain the planning scheme provisions and policy requirements that relate to the proposed development. There may be special conditions that apply to the area, including relevant overlay controls. Copies of relevant extracts of the Planning Scheme and any information sheets will be provided.
When you request pre-application advice you will need to provide:
- a summary detailing the project
- a site plan
- concept drawings and any
- photos of the site.
Advice given on the prospect of gaining planning permission is informal and it represents officer professional opinion only. It will not bind the authority in the event of a formal planning application.
Step 3 - Fill out the application form
Fill out the application for planning permit form, provide the required information and pay the required fee. Make sure you include your current mailing address and telephone number.
Step 4 - Describe what the permit is for
Clearly describe what you want a permit for. Make sure you describe all the things that need a planning permit so a further permit won’t be required. Check this with the council planner when lodging the application.
Step 5 - State the cost of development
You must provide an accurate estimate of the cost of the development. This will determine the planning application fee. The fee must be paid when you lodge the application so that we can consider and assess the application.
It is not a fee for approval, so there is no refund if the application is refused. The scale of fees is set down by government regulation.
Step 6 - Include the owner’s consent
If you are the permit applicant but not the owner of the land, you must provide the owner’s details on the application for planning permit form.
This section is used when an agent for the owner makes the application. The applicant must tell the owner that the application has been made.
Step 7 - Attach title information
A current Certificate of Title or Title Search (which is no older than 30 days) must be provided. You must also provide a copy of any registered restrictive covenant that affects the land. If a registered restrictive covenant does apply, talk to the Council planner about what to do next.
Step 8 – Attach the plans and any necessary extra information
If the appropriate information is not provided, the application won’t be processed. Council must have sufficient information to assess your application. (A set of plans, including floor plans and elevations, and other information may need to accompany the application. The planning scheme may state that particular information is required for certain types of permit applications.)
Step 9 - Check everything is there
Before you submit your application ensure you have prepared and obtained all the necessary information required for the permit.
If you have followed the previous steps and have collected all the necessary supporting information, you are ready to apply for a planning permit.