5 Things To Consider Before DIY’ing Your Permit…
A common question we get from prospective clients, builders, architects and owners is ‘Why don’t I just do the planning permit application myself’.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) planning permit applications can be a daunting task for property owners, architects, designers or builders in Victoria. Not only having to navigate the requirements of the relevant planning scheme and land use controls, but also relevant strategies, policies and legislation which may influence the outcome of your design vision or approach to how your land is developed.
Applying for a planning permit requires extensive technical planning and policy knowledge and familiarity with the complex rules and regulations governing land use in Victoria. Town Planners in Victoria have typically obtained a Bachelor's degree in Planning, which is also required to be endorsed by the Planning Institute of Australia and have achieved a diverse portfolio of projects across a range of Local Governments.
We explore the risks and challenges further, to help inform you as to why a Town Planner is best placed to be the applicant on your behalf for your planning permit.
5 Key Challenges to consider before you DIY Your Planning Application in Victoria…
The process of applying for a planning permit in Victoria can be complicated, posing several potential challenges to property owners, architects and designers including:
Technical Planning Matters: Planning permit applications require technical knowledge and expertise in a range of areas, including zoning, building design, heritage, and environmental issues. People who are not familiar with how to obtain this knowledge, interpret it and then address it in a planning response may struggle to prepare the necessary documentation and meet the requirements set out by the local council. Planners are familiar with the nuances in planning provisions. Having someone experienced at interpreting controls and influencing planning outcomes with your local Council based on their technical knowledge and experience can make all the difference with getting what you want approved or negotiating out of unnecessary requirements. Planners help you make considered judgments about when to push back or when to make changes based on experience with similar issues.
Time: Preparing a planning permit application can be a time-consuming process, particularly for those who are not familiar with the requirements. Property owners must dedicate significant time and effort to understand the council's expectations, prepare the necessary documentation, and liaise with council officers to address any issues or concerns. In addition to this if your application requires a response to further information, objector engagement, or further justification the time of responding to these matters can add months and additional costs. Using a professional planner speeds up the process as we know what to provide and when and can negotiate information requirements and draft conditions, saving you time, money and emotional energy.
Application Management: Planning permit applications require extensive consultation with stakeholders and technical specialists, including neighbouring property owners, the local council, technical specialists, and other government agencies. Property owners must engage in this consultation process, address any concerns raised by stakeholders, and incorporate feedback into their application where appropriate to a level that satisfies the Local Council. Having an independent advocate takes the emotion out of the process and ensures your plans are in the best hands. Mediating with objectors and negotiating compromises with objectors and Council based on professional opinion and planning precedence helps ensure you are in the best position to get your approval and seek to avoid an appeal at VCAT. Planners help speed up the process as we know the typical timing for each stage of the planning process and keep in regular contact with your Council planner to ensure your application is being assessed in a timely manner.
Working with your Local Council: Your local council plays a critical role in the planning permit application process, and engaging with council officers can be challenging and at times very frustrating for those who are not familiar with the process. Permit applicants must liaise with council officers, respond to any RFIs or concerns raised by council officers, and comply with any requests for additional information within the requirements of the Planning Scheme or relevant Acts. Councils often prefer to speak Planner to Planner as we both understand the key planning grounds and relevant considerations for decision making on Permit applications. Planning provisions are technical and require professional assessment and interpretation to be able to give weight to the assessments and statements provided in the Planning Report. Having a planner advocating for your interests can add huge value to your site and be the difference between getting that dispensation approved or not. We deal with Council so you don’t have to! This is usually the biggest benefit to clients, they can relax knowing someone else is doing the Council liaison.
Professional Expertise: Property owners who do not have this level of expertise may struggle to navigate the complex planning system, prepare documentation to a suitable standard, and address any technical planning issues that arise during the process. Planners have years of experience to draw on, can interpret legislation, have knowledge of planning precedents and can respond to planning rules and regulations in a measured way. The opinion of an experienced professional will carry more weight than an individual who isn’t a qualified planning professional. Getting the right advice from the outset helps ensure a smoother pathway to approval and a professional opinion that will be respected by Council in decision-making.
The Risks and Consequences of not understanding Technical Planning Matters…
Preparing a planning permit application requires a thorough understanding of how to respond to the planning controls, interpret your plans and other relevant planning considerations. Individuals who are not familiar with the legislation and policies may inadvertently jeopardise the success of their application and undoubtedly extend the timing for the application approval as they learn each step as they go.
Refusal of their application: Individuals who do not comply with the regulations may have their permit application rejected and will require a new application and process to reapply.
Delayed Approval: Incomplete or inadequately prepared applications can lead to significant delays in obtaining planning approval, which can significantly impact the timeline of your development, your build schedule and increase costs. Often people need a planner to assist through the planning process as they haven’t been able to address the requirements adequately for Council assessment. It is easier to engage the right representation from the start as assisting half way through the process is as much work as if we had helped you from the outset. Sometimes more.
Financial Implications: Delays caused by not addressing or understanding planning regulations can result in significant financial implications, in particular meeting build contract deadlines, securing materials and trades within your required timeframes and potential interest charges and fees that are associated with delay in your project.
Summary
Applying for a planning permit in Victoria can be a complex and challenging process for property owners. The technical planning matters involved, time, consultation, engagement with the Victorian local council, and a lack of planning experience can all pose significant risk and challenges to DIY planning permit applications. Engaging an experienced Town Planner from the outset can help you make informed design decisions and have realistic expectations about the process and timing for approval of your project.
Our signature approach is proven to speed up the approval process for you, saving you time, money and emotional energy. We deal with Council so you don’t have to. Let us help take the stress and risk out of it for you. We advocate for your interests at every step of the way and help you make considered choices along the way with the right information to help you decide how best to proceed.
To avoid these risks, feel free to get in touch with an experienced planner at Urbankind before you start on your development journey. We’d love to provide preliminary advice on the planning rules that apply and will influence your design and development options or help support you through to approval for your dream home, project or investment.
Get in touch with the team today: hello@urbankind.studio OR book a FREE consultation here.
