Advertised planning applications and objecting to planning permits near you

If people or businesses may be affected by planning permit decisions near them, the planning scheme ensures that the applications are advertised, and provides a forum for the public to object to the proposed planning permit.

Notice is the formal name in planning scheme which ensures affected parties are made aware of planning permit applications.

It allows the public to make submissions in response to proposed development which takes the form of objections.

The advertised notice will include details of the proposal, contact details, a date that objections must be lodged by, and details on the process for lodging an objection.

Not all planning applications are advertised. Many are exempt under the planning scheme, and council may exercise discretion if no ‘material detriment’ is expected, though they rarely utilize this.

The planning scheme is not prescriptive like building regulations. There are many ‘grey areas’ and conflicting priorities that a planning permit decision must negotiate. Lodging an objection is the first step to preventing inappropriate development, and opens the door for appeals to be lodged at VCAT.