Planning scheme amendments

A planning scheme is a statutory document which sets out a municipality’s objectives, policies and provisions relating to the use, development, protection and conservation of land in the area to which it applies.

A planning scheme regulates the use and development of land through planning provisions to achieve those objectives and policies.

A planning scheme may need to be amended for the following reasons:

• To improve or implement the strategic vision of a municipality’s scheme.
• To implement new state, regional or local policy.
• To update the scheme.
• To correct mistakes.
• To rezone and/or apply overlays.
• To set aside land for acquisition for a public purpose, or to remove such a reservation when it is no longer needed in the scheme.
• Applications under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 for a combined rezoning and development of a site.

A planning scheme amendment can be initiated by a municipal council or a council can respond to a request for an amendment. Any person or body can request the planning authority (Council) for a planning scheme amendment.

Council must obtain the consent (authorisation) from the Minister for Planning to prepare and exhibit a planning scheme amendment. The Minister for Planning may also authorise Council to approve an amendment if the amendment is minor in nature.

An amendment does not become part of the planning scheme until it is approved by the Minister and notice is given in the Victorian Government Gazette.

For an outline of the planning scheme amendment process download a copy of our process below.

Planning scheme amendment process [PDF 83Kb]

Municipal Strategic Statement [PDF Kb]

Planning Scheme Review report [PDF Kb]