How to apply for a planning scheme amendment
As our municipality changes, our strategy and planning controls may also change. These changes must be reflected in the document that guides land use and development decisions – the Moreland Planning Scheme.
What is a planning scheme amendment?
A change to the planning scheme is known as an amendment.
A planning scheme amendment can be initiated by the State Government, Council or by a person. Anyone requesting an amendment is encouraged to talk to Council before submitting their request.
Common amendments include:
- a change of zone to allow different use of land, or
- the introduction of new Council policy.
As part of the amendment process, the community is consulted on a proposed change to the planning scheme and submissions are invited. If the issues raised in submissions cannot be resolved, an independent panel is appointed by the Minister for Planning to consider the submissions and the amendment.
There is no application form to request a planning scheme amendment.
For more information on requesting a planning scheme amendment:
- contact Council's Strategic Planners, and
- see the Department of Planning and Community Development website.
How to lodge a submission to a planning scheme amendment
Submissions may be made to Council about the proposal during the public exhibition period.
Anyone can lodge a submission about an amendment. A submission may:
- support the amendment and request that Council approve it as exhibited
- oppose the amendment for specified reasons and ask Council to abandon it, or
- suggest changes to the amendment to address concerns
Submissions should be lodged before the closing date of the exhibition to ensure you can present your views to a panel (if one is appointed to consider submissions).
The Department of Planning and Community Development website explains how to prepare a submission to a planning scheme amendment.
Panel Reports
If submissions are received to the amendment, Council may ask the Minister to appoint an independent panel to:
- review the submissions
- conduct a public hearing
- consider the amendment, and
- prepare an independent report with recommendations about the amendment for Council.
After a panel hearing has been conducted, the panel has six to eight weeks to provide a report to Council with its recommendations on the amendment. Council has no obligation to adopt the panel's recommendations.
Fee to request an amendment
The Planning and Environment (Fees) Regulations 2000 decide on the fee to request a planning scheme amendment.
View the amendment fee schedule (DOCX 901Kb). If you have any queries please contact Council.
