5. Objections and permit applications that affect you
Some planning proposals for the use or development of land may affect your home, unit or business.
You may get a letter with a notice inside or see a notice about a planning permit application displayed on a site nearby.
When a proposed project may affect you
If you think that the proposed project may affect you or property, you can come to Moreland Civic Centre to see the plans and discuss the proposal with an Urban Planning Officer.
You can also contact the planning permit applicant to discuss the proposal. You can talk about the project and may find a solution to your concerns. If you are still unhappy you can tell Council you disagree with the proposal by lodging an objection.
See the plans for permit applications
The plans for planning permit applications are kept at Moreland Civic Centre. Come to the Information Desk with your public notice or the planning permit application and the address of the proposal and ask to see the plans.
Talk with an Urban Planner from Council
Talk with an urban planner about the planning permit application and how it affects you.
An urban planner can meet with you at Moreland Civic Centre between 8.30 am – 5 pm, Monday to Friday.
Submit an objection
If you think the planning permit application will affect you or your property, you can submit an objection.
You can download and print an objection form (DOC 99Kb), or write a letter.
An objection must:
- be in writing
- clearly state the reasons for the objection – how the application affects you
- have the address of planning permit application and the application reference number, for example MPS/2008/1234, and
- have your name and address.
You should submit an objection by post or in person by the deadline. The deadline is listed on the Notice of Application For a Planning Permit sent to you or displayed on the property.
Privacy Note: Please be aware that Council must make any objection available for any person to inspect. This is a requirement of the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
After you submit an objection
- Council sends you a letter. The letter says Council has your objection.
- An urban planner from Council reads your objection.
- Council considers your objection when it processes the planning permit application.
- Sometimes Council holds an Urban Planning Consultation Meeting before the application is decided. Council invites all objectors to these consultation meetings. You can talk with the Ward Councillors, Council’s urban planner and the applicant about the application.
- When Council decides on the planning permit application, you receive a copy of the decision.
- You can apply for a review of the Council’s decision to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). VCAT is an independent tribunal.
Can I withdraw my objection to a planning permit application?
Yes, an objector can withdraw an objection.
Write a letter to Council to withdraw your objection and mail it to Council, care of The Urban Planning Branch. The letter must have:
- the planning permit application number, for example MPS/2009/1234
- the address of the site on which the development or use is proposed
- your name, address and telephone number, and
- a statement that says you withdraw your objection.
Council cannot accept a ‘conditional’ withdrawal of objection, for example, “if the developer removes the window I no longer object”.
Objectors often withdraw their objection after the permit applicant has changed their plans following discussions with the objector, or a Council Urban Planner or following a consultation meeting.
Files
- Objection to an Application for a Planning Permit Form (DOC 99Kb)
- Urban Planning in Moreland - A Guide for Objectors Brochure (PDF 6Mb)
- Urban Planning in Moreland - A Guide for Objectors Brochure (DOC 9Mb)
