Strategic Planning Consultant for Melbourne and Victoria
With decades of experience in public and private sector planning, we provide strategic planning services that translate policy intent into practical land-use outcomes. Strategic planning sets the long-term framework for how land can be used and developed. Rezoning allows land to move from one broad use to another, such as from rural to residential, or from residential to commercial or mixed use.
What We Do
Planning scheme amendments follow a structured and often lengthy process, including background analysis, preparation of amendment documentation, exhibition, review of submissions and consideration by both Council and the Minister for Planning. We provide clear advice on whether a rezoning is realistic, what technical work is required, and the likely pathway and timeframes involved.
Our role typically includes:
- Reviewing existing planning controls and relevant strategies.
- Preparing or coordinating supporting material, including planning assessments and expert inputs.
- Drafting amendment documentation and explanatory reports.
- Liaising with Council and government agencies throughout the process.
- Responding to submissions and providing professional representation at Planning Panels where required.
We have experience assisting landowners, developers and Councils with rezonings and planning scheme amendments, from opening up new residential areas to enabling commercial and mixed-use redevelopment.
How does the process work
In Victoria, changes to a planning scheme occur through a formal amendment process under the Planning and Environment Act 1987. An amendment can change zones or overlays, introduce or update policies, or create site-specific provisions for particular land.
Initiate an Amendment
An amendment is prepared by a “planning authority”. This is usually a local Council. Landowners, developers and community members cannot amend the scheme themselves, but they can lodge a written request asking the planning authority to do so, supported by strategic justification and consistency with the municipality’s long-term vision. We assist with the preparation of relevant information required by Council.
Authorisation
If Council considers that a request has sufficient merit to proceed, it must seek authorisation from the Minister for Planning before formally preparing and exhibiting the amendment. Authorisation confirms that the proposal is broadly consistent with State policy and interests, has strategic merit, before it is released for public consultation.
Exhibition
Once authorised, the amendment and supporting documentation are placed on public exhibition. During this period the material is made available for review, and any person may make a written submission in support, in opposition, or proposing changes.
Consider submissions
After exhibition, Council (as planning authority) must consider every submission received. It may seek to resolve issues through changes to the amendment, further discussion with submitters or clarification of technical matters. At this stage Council must decide whether to:
- Abandon the amendment
- Change the amendment and, if necessary, re-exhibit it
- Proceed and refer any unresolved submissions to an independent Planning Panel
If all submissions are resolved and a Panel is not required, Council can move directly to deciding whether to adopt or abandon the amendment.
Panel Hearing
Where there are unresolved submissions, the Minister for Planning may appoint an independent Panel to review the amendment and the issues raised. The Panel considers all submissions, conducts a public hearing and then prepares a report with recommendations to Council. The Panel’s role is advisory, but its findings are an important part of Council’s decision-making.
Adoption and Approval
After considering submissions and any Panel report, Council decides whether to abandon the amendment, modify it, or adopt it (with or without changes). If Council adopts the amendment, it must submit the adopted documents to the Minister for Planning for final consideration. Once the Minister approves the amendment and it is published in the Government Gazette, the changes come into effect and become part of the planning scheme.
Fees and Costs
Statutory fees apply to planning scheme amendments, set by the Victorian Government. In most cases the proponent is also responsible for Council’s costs in administering the amendment, including public notification, advertising in newspapers and the Government Gazette, and any expenses associated with an independent Panel hearing. The overall cost will vary depending on the length and complexity of the amendment process.
Strategic Planning & Rezoning
Strategic planning sets the long-term framework for how land can be used and developed. Local planning schemes, zones, overlays and structure plans all influence what is possible on a particular site. When these controls no longer reflect a realistic or desirable future for the land, a planning scheme amendment may be needed to enable change.
Rezoning allows land to move from one broad use to another, such as from rural to residential, or from residential to commercial or mixed use. In some cases, a site-specific control or overlay is required instead of, or in addition to, a change of zone. These changes can unlock new development opportunities, but they must be carefully justified in the context of State and local planning policy.
Get In Touch
Serving Metropolitan Melbourne & Greater Victoria
Based in Fairfield, Peter English & Associates services clients across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, regularly assisting projects in the inner north, metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.