VCAT has confirmed that, although they remain closed to the public, it is business as ‘Covid-usual’. They will continue to receive and process new applications as well as hear matters remotely, as scheduled. Most Council planning departments have already moved to a ‘working from home model’
COVID-19 has temporarily stalled many facets of life. As we work from home, our fears reducing, feeling a warmth of pride that our community has prioritised public health over all else, it is dawning on us that there will be a ‘new norm’. Things change quickly in this new norm, so readers should be aware this piece was written on May 20th.
COVID-19 has temporarily stalled many facets of life. As we work from home, our fears reducing, feeling a warmth of pride that our community has prioritised public health over all else, it is dawning on us that there will be a ‘new norm’.
A recent report released by the Victorian Planning Authority, provides interesting insight into the workings & efficiency of Victoria’s growth-area Councils.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, Clause 1 yet again has more dismaying changes to Victorian Planning Schemes to report to BDAV members.
Regular readers of BDAV News will be aware despite the fanfare surrounding the introduction of the three new residential zones back in July 2014, many Councils are yet to make a full transition from interim ‘neutral conversion’ (General Residential Zone) to their preferred zones and schedules.
Once again at this time of year Councils across the state will implement ‘blackout periods’ restricting the advertising of planning applications over the festive season. As is the case year-in-year-out the dates and restrictions of the ‘blackouts’ vary from Council to Council.
Mediation is used often in planning to resolve or narrow issues between parties. The usefulness of mediation should not be underestimated where a face-to-face meeting or a telephone call might result in a much smoother process and mutually beneficial outcomes.
Not like after a night with Pink or One Direction – but like: ‘seriously entertained planning scheme amendments.
Over the last few months we have been contacted by a number of planning permit applicants seeking to clarify the definition of a “seriously entertained” planning scheme amendment/document and their affect.
Regular BDAV News readers may recall an article in One Planners’ Tid Bits concerning VCAT’s ruling that a permit applicant is not liable for the costs associated with Council’s peer review of technical reports.
