Planning and Consultation Committee FAQs
Why has there been a change to Council’s Committee structure?
Following the general election in October 2020, Council reviewed its Committee structure, and on 23 February 2021 resolved to abolish the Future Nillumbik Committee effective 10 March 2021. Council also resolved to establish a new delegated committee in accordance with section 63 of the Local Government Act 2020 called the Planning and Consultation Committee.
The Planning and Consultation Committee will consider matters under two areas being, Planning Matters and Consultation Matters.
Who is on the Planning and Consultation Committee and who chairs it?
All seven Councillors are members of the Planning and Consultation Committee.
The Planning Matters and Consultation Matters areas each have a chairperson elected by Council resolution at the Council Meeting (Election of Mayor) in accordance with section 63(2)(a) of the Local Government Act 2020.
What matters can the Committee consider?
Council delegates powers to the Planning and Consultation Committee to determine any issue, take any action or do any act or thing as set out in the Instrument of Delegation (effective from the date of that Instrument of Delegation).
Can I still register to make a verbal presentation to the Committee on any item on the agenda?
Any person whose rights will be directly affected by a decision of Council, even if Council has not invited public submissions or if the person has not already lodged a written submission, may register to address the Committee.
What about planning applications?
All planning applications will be determined by Council officers under delegation unless:
Officer Delegations to Determine Planning Matters
Officers delegated under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 must not determine the issue, take the action or do the act or thing:
- if the issue, action, act or thing is an issue, action, act or thing which Council; has previously delegated as an issue, action, act or thing which must be the subject of resolution of Council; or
- if the determining of the issue, taking of the action or doing of the act or thing would or would be likely to involve a decision which is inconsistent with a:
- policy; or
- strategy
adopted by Council;
- if the determining of the issue, the taking of the action or the doing of the act or thing cannot be the subject of a lawful delegation; or
- the determining of the issue, the taking of the action or the doing of the act or thing is already the subject of an exclusive delegation to another member of Council staff or delegated committee; or
- if a Councillor in whose ward the land to which the application relates, advises in writing that the Councillor wishes the matter to be reported to the Planning and Consultation Committee (‘called in’); or
- if a Councillor, other than the Councillor in whose ward the land to which the application relates advises in writing that the Councillor wishes the matter to be reported to the Planning and Consultation Committee for decision and that request is supported by a second Councillor.
How will I know about planning applications in my neighbourhood?
There is no change to the way planning applications are advertised to the public. This will continue to be undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
Find out what planning applications are currently being advertised on Council’s website.
How will Councillors know about planning applications in their wards?
In consultation with Councillors, officers will implement the following initiatives to help Councillors decide if they wish the matter of a planning application to be reported to the Planning and Consultation Committee for decision.
The following weekly Planning reports are to be provided to Councillors each week:
- New planning permit applications received;
- Applications out on public notice;
- Applications where the public notice period has concluded and that are ready for final assessment; and
- Applications ready for decision.