Amending an existing planning permit - Shire of Yarra Ranges

Amending an existing planning permitINTRODUCTIONPlanning permits consist of a permit document and endorsed plans / documents; the permit contains anumber of conditions that must be met and the plans show the layout of how the land is to be developedand used.Sometimes after getting a permit approved, people want to change the plans or ask for the permit to bealtered. This is known as amending the planning permit.There are two options that may be available if you wish to amend an existing planning permit. Whicheveroption you follow, the Shire must follow a set process and it is important that you understand what thisinvolves before you apply. You will need to give us copies of new plans, information about the changesyou wish to make and why, along with the application fee. Sometimes you may also need to get additionalreports from other experts (eg an Arborist or Geotechnical Engineer).If you are thinking of amending an existing permit it is important that you contact the Planning Departmenton 1300 368 333 to get some free planning advice. Our Planners will be able to tell you which processmay be best for you and what information we require to assess your application.Please also remember that you may need other approvals such as a building permit, road opening permitif you need a new crossover onto your property or approval for a septic system. More information isprovided in our Other Approvals Planning Advice Note.GENERAL INFORMATIONOption 1: Amending a permit or plans under Section 72 (Planning & Environment Act)This type of amendment allows you to change what was originally allowed by the permit, the permitconditions and the approved plans but it is not possible to significantly change what was originallyapproved by the permit. The fee for this type of amendment depends on what you wish to change and thecost of your proposal.It is also important to understand that your request to amend the permit or plans must follow the sameprocess as a planning permit application. This means the amendment may need to be advertised to yourneighbours and sent to other authorities for their comment. They can object to your proposed amendmentand your request may also need to go to a formal Council meeting for a decision. After a decision hasbeen made, an appeal can be lodged at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).Please note that this option is not open to you if the decision to grant a permit was made by VCAT,following an appeal. If permit was granted following a decision by VCAT, you will need to contact themdirectly on 9628 9777 for advice as to how to amend the permit.

GENERAL INFORMATION (cont.)Option 2: Amending a permit or plans using ‘Secondary consent’This type of amendment allows you to change the approved plans only and there is a set fee of $99.You can apply for this type of amendment when the permit has a condition that says any changes mustfirst be authorised. Please read your permit to see if it has a condition that says something like:“The layout of the site and the size of any proposed buildings and woks shown on theendorsed plans shall not be altered or modified without the written consent of theResponsible Authority.”While this type of amendment is quicker for us to assess, there are strict limits on what changes can beapproved if you use this option. We are unable to seek comment from neighbours or other authorities thatmay have originally commented on the proposal before the permit was issued, so the changes you areseeking can only be minor ones.It is important that you talk to one of our Planners before you lodge your amendment to ensure this is theright option for you.PLANNING TIPS & HANDY HINTSYou will need an application form to lodge your amendment go to our website atwww.yarraranges.vic.gov.au and click on Planning to download or print a copy. You will also find moreuseful information about what information we need with your application on the website.Generally speaking, your application will have the best chance of being approved if:You have spoken to one of our Planners before lodging your application so that you understand theamendment process and know if you need additional reports from experts such as an arborist orgeotechnical engineerThe changes you wish to make are clearly identified and you have documented why the changes arenecessaryWe have all the information we need up front as this will save time when assessing your applicationYou have sought professional assistance from a consultant to manage the application on yourbehalf, particularly if you want to make significant changes to your permit or plans. This can oftensave time, particularly with complex permits and plans.We ask you to please be patient. Our Planners are busy trying to process applications as quickly aspossible but have between 30 - 50 applications to consider at any one time. If you phone to talk to yourPlanner, or call in unexpectedly at the counter, sometimes we will need to take a message but we will getback to you within 24 hours. If you can’t contact them and it’s urgent their Team Leader will often be ableto assist. Just call 9294 6222 and we will try to help you.2