Practitioners should be aware that Victoria’s planning system is set for more significant reform following the passage of the Planning Amendment (Better Decisions Made Faster) Act 2026, which amends the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
Author: Fleur Clausen
Fleur Clausen posts
In 2025 we covered Planning Scheme Amendment VC267, the new Townhouse and Low-Rise Code, which introduced changes to the content and processes of the residential design standards (Cl54 & 54) in the Victorian Planning Provisions. We also covered Planning Scheme Amendment GC252 which introduced the new Housing Choice and Transport Zone (HCTZ) and Built Form Overlay (BFO), applying the new zone and overlay to various activity centres in Metropolitan Melbourne.
Planning Scheme Amendment VC277 makes significant changes to the statutory car parking requirements associated with planning permit applications across Victoria.
In a recent VCAT matter, Kostandinov Investment Pty Ltd v Merri-bek CC [2025] VCAT 494, the Tribunal was asked to determine whether it was appropriate for a permit holder to seek an amendment to endorsed plans that would effectively reduce the BESS Score previously approved by Council.
Amendment GC252 implements the new Housing Choice and Transport Zone (HCTZ) and new Built Form Overlay (BFO)
In a political environment that is focussed on addressing the housing crisis and increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of the planning process, permit applicants are wondering if more can be done to clarify and streamline the ‘public notification’ period required for planning permit applications.
In March the new Clause 55 provisions were announced and gazetted into the Scheme. The new Clause 55 (A.K.A. Townhouse and Low-Rise Code) rewrites the assessment criteria for planning permit applications associated with two or more dwellings on a lot.
The State Government has introduced new zone and overlay tools through Planning Scheme Amendment VC257, 25 February 2025, affecting all planning schemes in Victoria
On 24 February 2025 the Premier of Victoria and Minister for Planning announced final Council capacity targets for new housing
In November 2024 the Planning Minister announced updates to the Small Lot Housing Code by introducing a new ‘Type C’ set of standards for homes on sites less than 100 square metres