VCAT – more compulsory conferences
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) is increasing its capacity to schedule more compulsory conferences for proceedings in the Planning and Environment List.
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Discussion Papers & Articles
Signage: Zone vs Overlay categories
In PPH Developments Pty Ltd v Yarra Ranges SC (Red Dot) (corrected) [2022] VCAT 446 the Tribunal considered an application to amend an existing planning permit, including amendments to conditions to allow internally illuminated signage. The original permit included a condition that no business identification signage be internally illuminated.
Objectors’ (lack of) Appeal Rights
In Myers v Southern Grampians SC (Red Dot) [2022] VCAT 695 the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (“the Tribunal”) considered the jurisdiction of the Tribunal in an application under Section 82(1) of the Planning and Environment Act (“the Act”). Section 82(1) relates to an objector making an appeal to the Tribunal to review a decision to grant a planning permit.
Transformation of a planning permit through an amendment application
The Planning and Environment Act 1987 (the Act) provides the opportunity for a planning permit to be amended, including the permit text, plans or other documents endorsed under that permit.
Changes Impact VCAT Applications
Recent applications to VCAT may be experiencing delays in processing as the Tribunal gets strict regarding the correct name of the permit applicant and applicant for review.
VCAT hearing fees.
From 14 June 2021 where VCAT hearing fees are payable regarding your Planning & Environment matter they will be payable in full upfront.
VCAT goes fully digital
Further to reforms undertaken in 2020, VCATs Planning and Environment Division has taken additional steps to move to a fully ‘online’ processes.
Stage 4 Lockdown: Councils & VCAT
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’
VCAT Reforms in 2020
On 1 July 2020 the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) announced new initiatives as part of its Planning and Environmental Division (PED) reforms. The reforms are part of the PED’s digitising processes to transition from existing manual and hardcopy-based systems to digital solutions. VCAT suspended all in-person hearings in March 2020 to safeguard the wellbeing of its staff and the general public and have since implemented telephone and virtual online hearings and conferences.
COVID 19 What Planning Permit Applicants Need to Know
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.