What do I do when I receive a notice of planning application in the mail or see a notice on the land or in the newspaper?

• Take down all the details such as application number, where the application can be inspected (normally at Council's Civic Centre, Davey Street, Frankston) and the date by which objections should be lodged.
• Telephone or visit Council offices to look at the file (phone 9784 1869). If you wish to speak to the town planner to whom the file has been allocated, you will need to phone and make an appointment.
• Go through the file carefully and take particular care to look at the plans of the proposal.
• If you require a copy of any documents submitted with the permit application you may be charged for photocopy costs.

What if I have concerns regarding what is being proposed?

You will need to detail how the development or use will affect you. This can be done either by using Council's objection form or by writing a letter. All objections MUST be in writing and must quote the application number, site address, and your name and address.

Upon receipt of your written objection, Council will forward an acknowledgement to you. Written objections ensure that you will be kept informed by Council throughout the process.

What happens after I object to the application?

Council normally holds a Residents' Discussion Meeting where objectors and applicants meet with Councillors and Council planners to discuss issues associated with the proposal. If a Residents' Discussion Meeting is held and you have submitted a written objection to Council you will be invited to attend. It is not compulsory to attend but an opportunity for the parties to put forward their views and raise issues before Council decides on the application.

The decision

In making its decision, Council must assess an application against the strategies and desired outcomes outlined in the Planning Scheme's policy framework. Any other matters that the Planning Scheme specifies which includes any objection(s) received, must also be taken into account.

Following consideration of your application, Council will decide to either:

• Issue a permit;
• Issue a notice of decision to grant a permit (which gives objectors a set time in which to appeal); or
• Refuse to grant a permit.

A permit can be issued with or without conditions, and a proposal can only begin and continue subject to the conditions on the permit being met. Permits usually require commencement of the development or use within two years. An extension of time can be issued by Council for a permit if requested no later than three months after the expiry of the permit.

Please note you will be notified as an objector or applicant of when the item is going before Council for discussion. Both objectors and applicant have the opportunity to make a short address to Council's Planning and Submissions Committee.

Do I have a right of appeal against the decision?

In many cases, yes. Your rights to a review of a Council decision are usually explained in the document that conveys advice of Council's decision. Additional information on reviews of decision may be obtained from the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), Planning List, 55 King Street, Melbourne 3000, Phone (03) 9628 9777.