Town planning for a two-dwelling development in Hamlyn Heights
Recent changes to the Victorian Planning Scheme have streamlined the subdivision process for many straightforward developments. A subdivision that meets the relevant criteria can now be assessed through the VicSmart pathway, providing a faster and more efficient approval process than a standard planning permit application. For this project, we provided town planning and design services on behalf of our client to obtain two VicSmart planning permits from the City of Greater Geelong for a development of the site with two new single storey dwellings with an associated two-lot subdivision with common property.
Our involvement commenced with a preliminary town planning assessment to confirm that the proposal qualified for assessment under the VicSmart provisions. Our experienced design consultants prepared the concept designs and worked these into a full planning package which along with our town planning report were submitted to Council for approval. As VicSmart applications are exempt from public notice and are assessed against a more streamlined set of decision guidelines, eligible applications can often progress more efficiently than a standard planning permit application. In some instances where our client is purchasing a property, we have been successful in obtaining permits prior to settlement occurring for the client.
This project highlights the benefits of understanding recent planning reforms and selecting the most appropriate approval pathway. By identifying that the proposal qualified for VicSmart, we were able to deliver a more efficient planning process while ensuring full compliance with the endorsed development plans.
