If Council believes that your proposal may have an impact on other people, for example your neighbours, the adjoining properties may be advised through letters and the application may be advertised in a local paper for 14 days for public comment.
In response to this notification, surrounding land owners may lodge written objections to the proposal. These objections must state how they believe the proposal will affect them. In considering the application Council must take into account the concerns raised in the objections. Council may involve the applicant and the objectors in a mediation process to attempt to resolve any concerns, prior to determining the application.
Council may also send the application to other agencies, such as the Department of Sustainability and Environment or VicRoads for advice or direction. In some cases the planning scheme requires that the application be sent to certain agencies such as Goulburn Murray Water (GMW), North East Catchment Management Authority (NECMA), Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Environment Protection Authority (EPA). In this case Council must comply with the response from that agency. The response may include a requirement of additional information or that certain conditions be included on any permit granted or may require that the application be refused.
Even if not required by the Planning Scheme Council may choose to send the application to another agency if it believes the proposal may impact on their interests or the agency may be able to provide Council with some advice to assist in the assessment of the application.
Council is responsible for considering and determining planning permit applications. Council's Planning unit makes an assessment of the proposal. Council is able to delegate responsibility to an officer to determine planning applications. Council has granted delegation to the Manager – Planning Services to determine some planning applications (refer Town Planning Assessment Process chart below).
Where applicants or objectors disagree with Council's decision they can lodge an appeal with the Victoria Civil Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). Applicants can do so by contacting VCAT on (03) 9628 9777 or by visiting their website at www.vcat.vic.gov.au
For further information on the planning permit process please contact Council's Planning unit on (03) 5722 0888 or council@wangaratta.vic.gov.au
Town Planning Assessment Process (248 KB)