Object to a Planning Permit

Our planning team is not allowed to advise on what you should and should not object to, but some of the most common objections include:

• overshadowing
• privacy or overlooking windows
• noise impacts associated with the proposed use
• removal of Significant Trees from the neighbourhood
• neighbourhood character
• visual bulk.

There are some issues that cannot be taken into consideration, such as:

• loss of property value
• commercial competition
• type of residents that will occupy new dwellings (tenants vs. owner/occupier)
• too many units in the area
• increased pollution from vehicle
• asbestos

If you feel you are affected by the proposal, you can submit an objection to the planning application. We will also accept letters of support in relation to planning applications.

Your submission must be submitted in writing for us to consider it, all relevant contact details should also be provided. 

You will receive a letter or email within 10 working days, formally acknowledging receipt of your submission.

You may be invited to a Planning Consultation Meeting at the City Development Office.

All objectors will be notified of Council's final decision.

If we decide to grant the permit, you can appeal the decision. Details of the appeal procedures are set out on the back of the Notice of Decision you will receive. An appeal must be made on a prescribed form (obtainable from the VCAT website) and accompanied by a fee. A copy of this form must also be given to Council.

If we refuse the application, the applicant can also appeal. The provisions are set out on the Refusal of Planning Application which will be issued and forwarded to all parties.

A planning consultation meeting takes place when a planning permit application receives six or more objections, or a meeting is specifically requested by an objector.

Purpose

• We host the meeting to bring the applicant and objectors together with Council’s planning officers to better understand the objector’s issues.
• The Ward Councillor usually attends to listen.
• There is no final decision made at this meeting. A decision is made some time after the meeting once planning officers have made a full assessment.
• General agreement can be reached for certain planning issues when there is common ground.

Ground rules

• The meeting is for planning issues and not other matters.
• All persons must be respectful and polite.
• Please keep to these rules or we may have to cancel the meeting.

When is it held?

• Usually between 5pm and 6pm, Monday to Thursday.
• Either on the Zoom video platform during the COVID pandemic, or otherwise held in person at Council’s Cheltenham office.
• Any person can access the Zoom video platform using their PC or tablet web browser, or you can join over any telephone for audio only.