Object to a Planning Permit

If you feel like you are negatively impacted by a proposed new development or planning application, you are able to submit an objection. You can also submit letters of support. This page will help guide you through exactly what you need to do.

Your objection must be received during the advertising period (the date shown in the notice you were sent, or displayed on-site on large yellow board or in the newspaper ad).

All objections received prior to a decision being made will be taken into account. We recommend you submit your objection early to ensure you are fully involved in the planning process. 

Online

Step 1.View advertised plans

We encourage you to view the full plans before submitting an objection.

Advertised plans can be found on our advertising register  The plans will be available to view for the full advertising period. You can find the advertising period on the letter you received or on-site on the Public Notice (large yellow sign).

You can also view plans in person at our Planning Counter in our Customer Service Centre at 1230 Nepean Highway, Cheltenham between the hours of 8.30am and 5pm.

Step 2.Prepare your documents

You must receive informed consent if you include personal information or copyright material of third parties. By submitting the material, you agree that the use of the material does not breach any third party’s right to privacy and copyright.

Personal Information includes:

  • the name, address or contact details of any third party
  • photographs of a third party or their property
  • a third party’s opinion about the planning application or related issue.

Step 3.Complete the online form

Attach any documents or photos that you would like to include with your form. You must include your name and address when you submit your form.

Your objection will be publicly available until we have decided on the application.

Object or support a planning permit application

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.