VCAT Review Applications

If your application for a planning permit is refused, you can apply to VCAT for a review of the decision within 60 days of the Notice of Decision to Refuse a Permit being issued. Any objectors to your application will be notified of your application for review, and may choose to make submissions at the VCAT hearing.

You may also apply to VCAT for review of any condition in a permit which Council has issued or decided to grant. The application must be made within 60 days of the Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit date, or the Planning Permit date if no notice was given. You can also apply to Council for changes to permit conditions at any time.

If we have issued a Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit, objectors can apply to VCAT for review within 28 days of issue.

More information: Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)

Certain kinds of application are exempt from objector review rights. However, if the application was advertised and you lodged an objection prior to the decision you will almost certainly have review rights.

If you objected to a planning application and Council decides to grant a permit, you will receive a Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit. This notice will show all the conditions to be included on the Planning Permit, which will be issued after 28 days. You can apply to VCAT for a review of this decision within this 28 day period.  

If you objected to a planning application and Council decides not to grant a permit, you will receive a Notice of Decision to Refuse to Grant a Permit. The permit applicant may apply to VCAT for a review of this decision. You will be told if this occurs, and have a right to join that case, unless the application is exempt from objector review rights. 

In some circumstances, even if you did not object to the permit application, you can seek permission from VCAT to be joined as a party to the case.

More information: Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)