26 Seddon St, Ivanhoe VIC 307926 Seddon St, Ivanhoe VIC 3079
Planning permits enable owners to use or alter properties in different ways. In the State of Victoria, a variety of situations will require you to go through the local council to obtain approval and receive a planning permit.
From heritage properties to subdivisions, duplexes or developments, there are countless situations where you can really benefit from reaching out to an experienced planning permit consultant. Throughout this article, we’re going to touch on the importance of professional assistance and highlight how the process is likely to play out.
Let’s get right into it.
If you want to build a single house on a block or renovate an existing house, a planning permit is not typically required. But, if you aim to build multiple dwellings on a block (e.g. undertake a property development) then you will absolutely need one.
Unfortunately, the process of applying for and obtaining a permit isn’t always so simple. All you need to do is ask anyone that’s ever navigated an application through a local Council Planning Department. More than likely, they'll tell you how difficult and time-consuming it can be–especially to a first-timer!
When successful, a planning permit application can allow you to significantly increase the value of a property. That’s why they are so vital for both property investors and developers.
A few other common reasons to apply for planning permits in Melbourne include:
Whether the property is in the City of Glen Eira, Darebin, Casey, Yarra or any one of the 31 councils dotted across Melbourne, you’ll have to follow the right steps to effectively navigate the planning permit process. Here are some expert tips!
Council Planning Schemes spell out planning considerations that apply to different neighbourhoods and zones: front, side and rear setbacks, site coverage, private open space sizes/dimensions, maximum build heights, etc.
But, it’s only once you submit a full design, with all the competing considerations spelled out, that Councils provide serious feedback about what you’re trying to achieve. From initial application to RFI response, advertising, notice of decision, and endorsement, the town planning application process usually takes just under 12 months.
Let’s use the City of Yarra as an example. Here, each application involves 7 key steps. These are
In this case, you are also able to track the ongoing status of your application online.
Without any shade of a doubt, one thing rings true for every council–there are a lot of moving parts to Melbourne planning permit applications. Why? To start with, input is needed from a wide variety of planning permit consultants, such as the Surveyor, Arborist, Architect, Drainage Engineer, Traffic Engineer, Town Planner, and several others.
This is why it's important to appoint experienced professionals who can provide you with the best possible advice and support. Remember, incomplete or ill-thought applications are simply not entertained by Councils and are, therefore, unlikely to proceed past the preliminary stages.
Once an application is submitted, it may be subject to public notice. At this time, neighbours and interested parties can evaluate the circumstances and raise objections. If objections are received, the council will then take them into consideration when making their decision.
If your application is refused or you disagree with the conditions imposed, you may have the right to appeal the decision at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
The VCAT process adds many months to the planning permit application process and should be avoided if possible. If you’ve been following the news, you may also be aware of the current backlog of cases waiting to be heard by VCAT. This is all the more reason to avoid it!
As we’ve noted above, permit applications are far from simple. With so many stakeholders, industry experts, and other factors involved, professional assistance can be invaluable in these circumstances.
With all of that in mind, let's move right along and highlight the benefits of engaging planning permit consultants!
In Melbourne, the planning permit process can be complex, time-consuming, and full of uncertainty. Thankfully, you still have options, and this is where engaging a qualified and experienced planning permit consultant could make all the difference.
By partnering with Property Analytics, you gain access to seasoned professionals with an in-depth knowledge of Melbourne’s planning schemes, council requirements, and the intricacies of the application process. We can help you to identify potential challenges and risks, as well as maximise your chance of success in as quick a time as possible.
Property Analytics are planning permit consultants who can handle the entire application process on your behalf, from initial feasibility studies and pre-application advice to the preparation and submission of your application.
Once submitted, Councils reply with an RFI (Request for Further Information). This is a time when important decisions need to be made. Some common examples include what design changes you should make, where a compromise can be found, and settling on which issues are worth fighting for.
As planning permit experts, we’re experienced at dealing with Council Planning and can move things along as efficiently as possible.
Every planning permit consultant has his/her specific role. An Arborist, for example, is solely concerned about the retention value of trees and the protection measures needed. An Architect, on the other hand, seeks the best possible design outcome in terms of livability and aesthetics. A Town Planner's role is to ensure that development concepts conform to Council considerations.
This still leaves a number of key questions on the table. Who is focused on the commercial viability of the planning permit application? How do costs relate to completed values and profitability?
At Property Analytics, we take on these responsibilities. Above all, our priority is to ensure that all planning application decisions align with your development objectives and budgets.
Every single planning application is unique and there’s certainly a lot to be learnt from every single one–even for a planning permit expert! When you’re faced with an endless list of decisions, it’s incredibly important to surround yourself with experienced professionals.
So, where can you start?
There are a few key selection criteria to keep in mind. Start by selecting your planning permit consultant based on their practical knowledge, project experience, and their ability to demonstrate a depth of knowledge on the entire process.
Bypassing or neglecting these aspects can ultimately have detrimental effects–most notably on the success of your permit application itself!
Because there are so many factors at play, and each permit application is different, there's no guarantee that it will be granted approval from the Council. However, the chances of success can be much higher with the assistance, advice, and guidance of a seasoned planning permit consultant.
After the application is reviewed by the council, you will receive notice for one of the following outcomes
This might all sound good in practice, but what does it all look like in real terms? Let’s dive into a recent Property Analytics success story!
In this case, we helped our client to attain permits for 2 townhouses that they will build and retain for the long-term.
Our clients previously had a great experience building their own home, and it inspired them to invest with a mind towards developing.
We considered their budget and objectives, shared data explaining capital growth history, drivers, and projections, and suggested a few properties in a suburb that they’d never heard of.
They ruled out the first couple opportunities and it became clear that they didn’t want a big block; they weren’t interested in a 3+ townhouse site; they don’t like busy roads or any other with obvious ‘warts’.
What they wanted was a property that would comfortably rent for years, and one that they could safely develop into 2 townhouses for future capital growth and rental return – eventually. Andrew managed the search, planning and design, and build documentation process. They got along so well that Rupinder decided to work with us as a Client Relationship Manager.
This is just one of our recent stories–check out dozens more case studies right here!
At Property Analytics, we’ve successfully managed over 50 town planning permit applications in the last few years alone. We have director-level relationships with all planning consultants, and a proven track record of successfully managing applications from start to finish.
Every decision we make is considered through a commercial lens (will this lead to better profits or not?). Too often, we analyse properties with permits that add no value. So, don’t make the mistake of securing a permit with subpar plans–contact us and start a profitable partnership with our planning permit consultants!
In addition to planning permits, we offer an array of data-driven services that put you in a position to move ahead. These services include everything from property investment to real estate development, buyer advocacy, and more!
Ready to secure real value? Contact us now!
03 9497 5429
