Design Matters Awards Ceremony 2025
Congratulations to Ashley Thompson Director of Clause 1 Planning who was honoured at the Design Matters Annual Awards Ceremony in Melbourne with a Life Time Membership for services to Town Planning
One Planner's Archive
Discussion Papers & Articles
New Widespread Tree Removal Triggers Across Victoria
Planning Scheme Amendment VC289 came into force on 15 September 2025. The amendment creates a new Clause 52.37 (Canopy Trees) provision.
Water Sensitive Urban Design Tools: STORM to Blue Factor
In October 2025 the online STORM tool used for assessing Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) performance for development proposals was retired and replaced with Blue Factor.
Faster, Simpler Dual Occupancy Approvals
The Victorian State Government has announced changes that provide new fast track approval pathways for dual-occupancy developments and two lot subdivisions
New Widespread Tree Removal Triggers Across Victoria
Planning Scheme Amendment VC289 came into force on 15 September 2025
ESD, BESS and NatHers
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.
Understanding new Cl55 Provisions
Ashley Thompson recently presented to the ISV, CSV, and DMN seminars on the new Townhouse & Low Rise Code (Cl55 provision).
Implementing Growth Zones
Amendment GC252 implements the new Housing Choice and Transport Zone (HCTZ) and new Built Form Overlay (BFO)
Applicants Frustrated by Increasing Advertising Periods
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.
Game Changer for Multi-Dwelling Developments in Victoria: New Townhouse and Low-Rise Code
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.