The Christmas Grinch Comes Early
It might only be September, but it appears the Christmas Grinch has already arrived for planning permit applicants.
One Planner's Archive
Discussion Papers & Articles
New Fees for VCAT
The most recent changes to VCAT’s fee structure came into effect on 27 June 2026 and introduced more changes than usual.
Planning Scheme Amendment VC248 – Changes to Bushfire Control
Planning Scheme Amendment VC248 came into effect on 5 May 2026, updating Victoria’s bushfire planning provisions.
Public Land – No Public Manager
Clause 1 Planning is currently involved in a very interesting and convoluted matter including a planning permit application, VCAT appeal and planning scheme amendment associated with land in the City of Frankston.
Updating the Planning & Environment Act – More Change
Regular planning permit applicants will be familiar with the extent of change that has taken place within the Victorian planning regime over the past 18 months… but there’s a lot more to come.
Recent Article in Planning News
Clause 1 has worked with industry to provide greater insight into planning issues associated with small second dwelling delivery across Victoria
More Significant Changes for the Victorian Planning Regime
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.
Stage 2 – Activity Centre Changes for More Housing
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.
Significant Changes to Car Parking Requirements
Planning Scheme Amendment VC277 makes significant changes to the statutory car parking requirements associated with planning permit applications across Victoria.
New Exemptions to the Metropolitan Planning Levy
Permit applicants will be able to avoid paying the Metropolitan Planning Levy in circumstances