Considering the application

Previous: Applying

After an application has been submitted it is considered a public document. Anyone can inspect it at the offices of the council or responsible authority, and they can request copies of plans from the council.

If someone believes they are affected by the proposal they can make written submissions to the council (see Objecting to an application for more information). For council office locations and contact details, see the Find Your Local Council.

Giving notice
You are required to give notice to people affected by your proposal if the council decides that it could cause 'material detriment', such as significant adversity, loss or damage. For example, a proposed restaurant might generate additional traffic in a neighbourhood, or the construction of a building might deprive adjoining houses of adequate light.

There are a number of ways you can give notice, including:

  • direct-mailing to the owners and occupiers of nearby properties
  • erecting signs on the land subject to the application
  • placing notices in local newspapers.
The council will tell you which of these notification methods is required, and will explain the procedures to be followed.

Referral
The council may also refer your application to other statutory bodies for advice and comment. These referral authorities have 28 days to respond. They may impose conditions or object to an application.

Next: Objecting

More information

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 provides detailed information about the permit and review processes.


Please note: Document(s) on this page are presented in PDF format. If you do not have the Adobe Reader, you can download a copy free from the Adobe web site

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