The Victorian government has announced a sweeping reform of the state’s planning system, aiming to expedite the construction of new homes by cutting red tape and eliminating most objections to residential development. This overhaul, the most significant in 38 years, was introduced to parliament on October 28 and promises to bring Victoria’s planning laws “into the 21st century,” according to Premier Jacinta Allan.
Under the current system, planning applications average 140 days for approval, extending to 300 days if objections arise. The new reforms propose a streamlined process that could see most applications approved within just 10 days. The changes are designed to address the state’s housing crisis by facilitating faster, more efficient decision-making.
Streamlined Approval Process
The new system introduces a three-stream approval process tailored to the scale of the development. Small developments, such as standalone homes or minor subdivisions, will follow a six-step process, with approvals expected within 10 days. More complex projects, like townhouses, will have a seven-step process, potentially requiring neighbor notification only in limited circumstances, with a maximum approval time of 30 days.
For large, high-density developments, the process includes additional steps, such as mandatory neighbor notifications and possible objection resolution, yet still guarantees a decision within 60 days. This approach aims to minimize delays while maintaining some level of community involvement in significant projects.
Eliminating ‘NIMBY’ Objections
A notable aspect of the reform is the removal of the right for neighbors to object to most developments, a power that has historically slowed down the planning process. Victoria is the only state that has allowed such broad objection rights, and Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny emphasized the need to modernize these rules.
“Neighbours have a right to their say about a high-density development, but new homes shouldn’t be delayed by people who don’t live anywhere near a proposed project. It’s not common sense,” said Minister Kilkenny.
While the reforms aim to streamline processes, concerns have been raised about potential losses in transparency and community input. Warrnambool City Council Mayor Ben Blain expressed reservations about the limited opportunities for public scrutiny, fearing it could erode trust in the planning system.
Impact on Regional Housing
Regional experts have largely welcomed the reforms, anticipating a boost in home construction. Peter Burley, director of Buxton Real Estate Ballarat, highlighted the potential for developers to proceed with long-delayed projects, benefiting both large developers and smaller, family-run operations.
“Developers will be able to get on with projects they’ve been sitting on for a long time, and that means mum and dad developers on small residential blocks too,” said Mr. Burley.
However, concerns remain about adequate resourcing for local councils to meet the new deadlines. James Laycock, a planning expert from Albury-Wodonga, stressed the importance of proper funding and staffing to ensure the reforms’ success.
“We really need to be careful that we resource the planning process properly, especially at a local government level, if we want these reforms to succeed,” Mr. Laycock noted.
Looking Ahead
As Victoria moves to implement these changes, the government will need to balance the need for rapid housing development with the preservation of community trust and transparency. The success of the reforms will largely depend on the ability of local councils to adapt to the new system and manage the increased workload.
With the state facing a critical housing shortage, these reforms represent a significant step towards increasing housing availability. However, the government must ensure that the planning system remains fair and equitable, providing opportunities for public input where necessary to maintain community confidence.
