What is a planning permit? In this market insight we discuss the planning permit process and why its an important aspect to any new build.
There are many planning permits that apply to both residential, commercial and various home imprisonments or renovations. In this market insight we will discuss the aspect of managing a brand-new home on a vacant block of land. Prior to commencing a home build, you’ll need to obtain council approval before anything else can happen.
There are many steps in the build process, including the pre-site work and construction phase. The majority of vacant land require a planning permit. This subsequently influences the design of your home, establishes the time frame needed to develop and build the property and determines the cost of budget you’ll need to complete it. A well-considered and documented application is the best way to receive your permit promptly and achieve your objectives.
What is a planning permit?
A planning permit is a legal document officially issued by your local council. The document grants you permitting to use and/or development on the vacant block of land. A planning permit is issued with an expiry date and will include approved conditions for the use of your land. It is however important to understand that a planning permit differs from a building permit. They are quite different. A planning permit is not a building permit. A building permit refers to the construction method and is applied separately after the planning permit has been approved. Here are a number of things that need to be address as part of obtaining the planning permit.
Meeting the council’s criteria
There is a criteria that needs to be meet as part of achieving the planning permit. You will need to meet criteria and design guidelines set by your council & their planning scheme. There are a number of criteria that your application will be assessed against. Here is a summary of the most common, but in no particular order:
- Zoning & overlays – A zone can be residential, industrial or rural, determining how the land can be used
- Covenants – which are generally rules or obligations imposed on the property title
- Building envelopes – this relates to design and construction of the exterior of the house
- Materials associated to Cladding – usually external
- Materials/colours used – again usually external
- Set back – this is the minimum distance which a home must be set back from a street or road
- Neighbourhood character
- Landscaping
- Sustainability
- Height/roof lines of the home
What sort of time frame is needed?
The planning permit process will differ among various local councils. It is fair to expect a timeframe of approximately 4-6 weeks. At Crest Property Investments will recommend our clients to purchase a full turn-key. The full turn-key solution is an all inclusive service that has the builder manage the planning and build permits on your behalf. A good reputable builder can obtain this quicker than yourself. They are aware of the process, the criteria and have a clear understanding on how to make the application presentable and well documented. This reduced any possible rejections and takes the stress away from you if things need to be reapplied or further supporting documents are required. This process will involve correspondence and communication with an allocated planning officer. Good builder have existing relationships with these people, so it can be very helpful for you as a buyer.
Advertisement/Notice
As part of the application process, it must be advertised to the public. A signage will be placed on your allotment (land) highlighting the proposed permit and what your plans are for the land. The signage is required to sit on the block for fourteen (14) days. An additional communication is also sent to your neighbours in the post of the application.
Application objections
In the event you receive an objection, the council will assess each objection individually. A planning officer will attend the site to review the application and/or objection(s). If the dispute cannot be resolved the planning permit application may be sent VCAT to address this independently.
What should you do?
At Crest Property Investments, we help source house and land packages for buyers that feature a full turn-key solution. As part of the service, the planning permit and build permit are administrated on your behalf to ensure you have a more seamless experience when building your own home. When building your own home, a full turn-key prevents the uncertainties and price rises that may occur if the soil and site aren’t easy to build on.
If you’d like to learn more about buying a house and land package, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would welcome the opportunity to help with your property purchase. Our YouTube channel and Market Insights also provide a wealth of information to assist you with many areas relating to property.
While we have taken care to ensure the information above is true and correct at the time of publication, changes in circumstances and legislation after the displayed date may impact the accuracy of this article. If you want to learn more please contact us. We welcome the opportunity to assist you.
July 2022
