Town Planning Permits

A planning permit is a document issued by the local council to allow some types of use or development of a property. This is to help council ensure that any developments do not have a negative impact on the surrounding area and that they are appropiately designed for the local environment. A planning permit is commonly needed for projects on a small block, for multiple dwellings, or in a bushfire or flood zone. A planning permit is not always needed and many projects can proceed with a building permit only, however this can vary depending on the council, the property, and the proposed development. In cases where a town planning permit is required, the following would be a typical permit approval process:
  • Check whether planning permit is needed
    A property planning report is obtained to check the planning scheme and any overlays that may apply to the property. This information will help determine whether a town planning permit is required for the project, as well as identify any restrictions that may apply to the site.
  • Initial site measure and proposed designs
    The site and any existing dwellings or structures are measured, and an initial design is produced with regular discussions and feedback from the client. At this stage we also recommend the client contacts their builder to discuss building cost estimates based on these concept plans to ensure it fits within their budget.
  • Land surveyed
    Typically a formal land survey will be required from an external licensed land surveyor for projects requiring a permit. Callander Designs can assist with engaging a land surveyor for your project.
  • Town planning drawings produced
    Once the initial designs are approved by the client, we can produce the full town planning drawings package for permit submission. This may include site plans, floor plans, elevations, typical sections, landscape plans, shadow diagrams etc., depending on council requirements.
  • External consultants' documentation
    Some projects may also require documentation from external consultants, such as a town planner, arborist, bushfire assessor, traffic engineer etc. Callander Designs can assist with engaging these consultants for your project.
  • Administration
    Callander Designs can now package up all of the plans, consultants reports and other documentation ready for the client's planning permit submission.
  • Submission to council
    Client submits planning permit application to local council for their assessment.
  • Council review and Further Information Requests
    Council assesses the permit application including plans and other documents for planning permit approval. Generally council will request additional information during their assessment, which we will work through with you to address any items quickly to keep the application process moving.
  • Advertising
    In some cases council may require that the permit application be publicly advertised, which typically involves putting a Notice of Application for a Planning Permit visible at the site for at least 14 days. This is usually done in cases where the proposed development will affect other neighbouring houses. This allows neighbours to submit their comments back to council to possibly be addressed with an amendment to the design if needed.
  • Permit issued
    Once council is satisfied that all conditions are met and the proposed development is suitable for the property, the planning permit can be issued and we can proceed with obtaining the building permit.