Assessing planning permit applications

Each planning permit application goes through several reviews and considerations. 

Review against controls and guidelines

To assess applications, our planners are guided by the Nillumbik Planning Scheme. It tells us how land can be used and what can be built on it. It also aims to protect our unique environment, defend us against bushfires, preserve our heritage and more.

Assessment by relevant Council departments

Your application may be assessed by different Council services, including:

• Building Services (building regulations)
• Environmental Health Services (septic systems and food premises)
• Infrastructure (stormwater) 
• Traffic and Transport (parking and access)
• Strategic Planning and Urban Design (building design and policy)
• Open Space (works and trees affecting Council land).

Referral to other authorities or organisations

We may also be required to refer a planning application to other statutory bodies such as Yarra Valley Water or the Department of Transport and Planning.

We will forward your application to them for their advice and comments. They have 28 days to respond. They may request further information, require conditions be placed on the permit or object to the application.

Find out more about referral authorities for planning applications.

Requests for further information

We may contact you to clarify something or ask you for more information. You must respond to a request for further information using our online portal, by the due date.

Changing your application

If you want to change the details of your application, and it has not yet been approved, you can ask to make that change. But first contact the planner who is assessing your application. Request an amendment to a planning permit application.

Advertising your application

If we think that your proposal could have an impact on others, your application may be advertised publicly. Find out about advertising planning permit applications. 

Decision reports

The planner prepares a report for internal review that describes the proposal, relevant policies and planning scheme requirements. It will outline the assessment process, submissions, comments from Council departments and referral authorities, and will include a final recommendation.

Next steps

A decision is made. Find out more about outcomes of a planning permit application.