Discover the steps a resident can take to make a submission of support or objection to a planning application.
Making an effective planning application submission
What can I do if I am notified of a planning application?
If you are notified of a planning application, it’s a good idea to review the advertised application material.
How do I lodge a submission?
You can make a submission online here or by emailing us at [email protected]. You can also post us a hard copy of your submission.
If you send a hard copy, allow enough time for us to receive your submission before we make a decision. Submissions should be lodged within the 14-day notice period.
We will not decide on an application before the notice period ends. Late submissions will be considered if a decision has not yet been made.
Factors that the city cannot consider in a planning permit application
Although, we must review all submissions, policies guide which matters are considered valid. The following are some examples of common submission grounds that may not be relevant to the assessment or within the scope of the Planning and Environment Act 1987:
- Loss of property values – i.e. development in your area results in a reduction in your property’s value.
- Side Fencing – i.e. the impact a proposal will have on boundary fencing between two private properties. This is considered under the Fences Act, and should be discussed with your neighbour.
- Impact of the construction process – i.e. if the construction process will create dust or damage property. This is covered in a building permit stage.
- Impact on availability of street parking if an application does not seek to reduce the statutory car parking requirement.
- Clause 54 does not apply to all applications, for example applications in a heritage overlay. Refer to the public notice to see if you can submit an objection.
Factors that the city can consider in a planning permit application
Each application is unique as different planning controls apply to different sites. Some examples of common submission grounds that can be considered under the Planning and Environment Act 1987: include:
- Overlooking – i.e. the proposed first floor balcony will result in overlooking of your backyard. Note: the planning scheme provides direction on what level of overlooking is inappropriate.
- Overshadowing – i.e. the proposal will result in unreasonable shadowing over your backyard. Note: the planning scheme provides direction on what level of overshadowing is inappropriate.
- Lack of car parking – however, this is only considered if the application is seeking to reduce the statutory car parking requirement.
How to ensure your submission is effective so we can consider it
Check that your submission can be considered under the relevant planning laws
Under existing planning laws, our ability to consider some submissions is limited. We can only consider submissions that:
- Relate to the applicable zone and overlays in the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme (e.g. heritage overlay) and
- are within the scope of the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
Review the application to understand what will be assessed, and for requirements that may be exempt from assessment. This can help ensure that we can consider your concerns.
Use the tips below to write an effective and objective submission
Clearly explain how the proposal may impact you. If only a section of the proposal will impact you, highlight this. Use dot points to describe how each issue affects you.
- Keep your submission focused on the reasons a planning permit is needed.
- We welcome any suggestions for solutions that might address your concerns.
You may contact us for more information about the application, or for technical advice on the planning scheme. However, we cannot directly assist you to prepare your submission.
You need to provide your name, address and contact details for your submission to be complete - we will use these details to contact you. If you lodge an objection, your name, address and details of your objection will be made available to persons for the purpose of consideration as part of the planning process. Personal information (phone number, email signature) will be used solely by Council in accordance with the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
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