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Post-objection consultation process

This process map outlines the standard approach for managing post-objection consultations.

1. Objection received
We receive your objection.
 
2. Acknowledgement
We will let you know that your objection has been received via your preferred communication (email or letter).
 
3. Objections provided
We will provide all objections to the applicant after the closure of the advertising period. Note: your phone numbers email address or signature will not be given to the applicant. On request community members can access copies of objections (without phone numbers email addresses or signatures).
 
4. Objections reviewed
Our Planning Officers will review the objections and determine the benefits of either:
  • Holding a Planning Information meeting.
  • Seeking a written response from the applicant.
  • Going straight to making a decision on the application.
 
This depends on many factors such as the willingness of each party to compromise and relevant policies.

Depending on the review outcome the following steps may be taken:

5. What happens next?
  • Planning information meeting
    If a meeting is held our Planning Officers will select the most appropriate way to hold the session. For example this could include a face to face or virtual   meetings between parties. In the event of a Planning Information Meeting or written response the Planning Officer will send an invitation to the meeting
    OR
  • Written response
    The planning officer will ask the applicant to provide a written response to the objections. The planning officer will then send a copy of the applicants written response
    OR
  • Decision
    Planning officers will go straight to making a decision on the application.
 
6. Modifications and review
If an agreement Is reached on modifications at either the planning Information meeting or through the written response our planning officer will select the most appropriate way to communicate these changes with you. If no agreement Is reached the application will be reviewed and a decision made.
 
7. Decision
Following a full assessment of an application there are a number of ways in which a final decision can be made on an application the most common are:
 
Delegated authority
A decision can made by a senior planning officer under delegated authority when there are nine or less objections to an application.
 
Decision making committee
An internal review committee of senior council officers for applications where either there are ten or more objections or if the application is recommended for refusal
 
Planning committee
Councillors may choose to refer an application to the Planning Committee for determination where there are 10 or more objections, or where the application is recommended for refusal. This does not apply to applications that are deemed to comply with the relevant provisions of the Planning Scheme and do not require approval under any overlays or other permit triggers.
 
Communication
If the application will be heard at a planning committee meeting, the objectors will be sent an invitation.
 
8. Notice of Decision
We will issue a notice of decision to grant a planning permit or a notice of decision to refuse to grant a planning permit. Note: If the application is deemed to comply with all the standards of Clause 55 of the planning scheme you will receive a copy of the planning permit.
 
9. Appeal decision (optional)
If the applicant or an objector lodges an appeal with VCAT (Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal) the tribunal can review council’s permit decision.
Note: there are no appeal rights if an application is deemed to comply with all the standards of Clause 55 of the planning scheme.
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