Got an Issue?

• Impacted by a new development application or tree removal?
  • Contact Council Planning or Compliance – Phone: (03) 9262 6333 or
    Email: customer.service@whitehorse.vic.gov.au
  • Check an address for overlays and zones  Enter street address (top left corner)
  • Character statements for an address  – Character Statements   –  Map
  • Check progress of permit online
  • Visit Council office to view the paper file
• SLO Tree removal. – A protected tree requires a Planning Permit to:
  • remove, destroy or lop
  • for any works within four metres
    A protected tree has trunk circumference 50cm (diameter of 16cm) or more, at 1 metre above ground level.
  • Check List
  • Permit requirements
  • Vegetation replacement list
• Renovations/rebuild that fail on setback, building bulk/height, open space provision or amenity. Review relevant sections of Planing Scheme including overlays.

Objecting to Council regarding a Planning Application.

• Lodging a Planning objection form. – See link at end of page.
• Planning Forum – opportunity for objectors and developer to reach compromise. More than 11 objections required for Councillors to vote on decision. Meetings are open or can be viewed online
• Speaking about a proposal to a Council meeting

Useful Council Planning Links.

• City of Whitehorse Planning Department
• Council meeting Decisions – Agendas and Minutes
• Whitehorse interactive Maps
• Whitehorse Planning Scheme – pdf Download
• Online Planning Scheme, search tools and reference documents (Planning dept.)
• Planning scheme Maps
• Significant Landscape Overlay Maps
  • Blackburn – North
  • Blackburn – South
•  Significant Landscape Overlay schedule  – SLO1, SLO2
• Planning Scheme Amendments  DELWP Services, City of Whitehorse site.
• Previous VCAT determinations –VCAT Database also Local list

Other Planning Links and tools.

• Apartment design standards
• Sign up for email Planning Alerts for Planning applications lodged for properties near you.
• Summary of 2017 reforms to residential zones
• National Trust Advocacy Toolkit
• Titles search
• Land and Survey Spatial Information
• Storm Water Management
• Planning and Environment Act
• Whitehorse Atlas (Census Data)

The Objection Process.

• Download the Objection Form from council web site or send a free form letter or email  to customer.service@whitehorse.vic.gov.au outlining grounds for objections. include site address and the WH reference number.

VCAT Hearing – The next step. 

The planning permit applicant will often seek a decision from VCAT if they don’t agree with Councils decision or Council has not decided within 60 days. If you have objected or you now wish to object you are able to put your concerns at the VCAT hearing. VCAT will notify objectors of the hearing date.

Statement of Grounds.

• Complete online electroninc ‘Statement of Grounds’ by the due date.
  Or
• Print the .pdf form and fill in by pen. Send copies by email or post to applicant, VCAT and Council.
• Fees may apply
  • Standard fee for individuals presenting a submission at a hearing as at 1 July 2021 is $21.10 for individuals or incorporated groups with less than $200,000 annual turnover, or $10.50 for Health Care card holder. You can choose to provide a written submission without presenting at the hearing for no cost or appoint a proxy to speak on your behalf.
• If you are unhappy with a Council decision you may apply to VCAT to review the Council decision granting a planning permit. – Application Form (Fees apply)
• Setting a Hearing Date – VCAT will issue an Order to set a date/s for the hearing (since COVID 19, hearings are held online via Zoom). The Order will list dates for documents to be lodged by all parties.  Expert witness reports are to be provided to VCAT, Council and other parties 10 business days prior to the hearing. (Practice note PNVCAT2 – Expert Evidence). Council and other parties’ submissions are sent to VCAT and all parties 5 business days prior.

Enforcement of permit conditions.

• Conditions are not always met in the final construction. Often residents are left to identify and report breaches but Who can enforce a condition in a planning permit?
• Environmental Justice Enforcement kit
• Penalties

How does Whitehorse Compare with other Councils?

• http://knowyourcouncil.vic.gov.au/compare-councils