Speeding up processing of post-PSP approvals

The Victorian Planning Authority is investing in new initiatives to speed up post-precinct structure plan approvals in Melbourne’s greenfields.

The VPA acknowledges that councils in Melbourne’s growing suburbs are under significant pressure and require assistance to tackle the backlog of planning applications for new homes.

By reducing the amount of time it takes to process planning applications, more lots will come to market sooner, putting downward pressure on housing prices.

This is why the VPA has invested $1 million in grants and staff assistance towards 17 innovative projects that improve post-PSP processes.

Projects are wide in breadth and depth, ranging from a review of engineering approvals at Casey City Council to a dedicated subdivisions officer in Mitchell Shire Council.

The VPA has also funded initiatives that will benefit all growth area councils, such as an economic analysis of shorter approval times.

The projects have resulted in significant successes and are part of the $20.4 million Streamlining for Growth Program.

Sharing key insights and learnings is key to any program’s success, and this is why the VPA hosted a best practice forum on 19 April with council planners and developers.

Speakers included Minister for Planning, the Hon Richard Wynne MP, who spoke about how the Victorian Government is responding to Melbourne’s broader housing affordability challenges.

Danielle Kos from Wyndham City Council presented on two projects. The first detailed the Memorandum of Understanding with developers for a priority approvals process. The second presentation focused on new technology council has invested in, which enables real-time information sharing to overcome unnecessary delays in the certification process.

Luke Connell presented on how Cardinia Shire Council used their grant for a resource to assist in the assessment of functional layout plans, which shortened turnaround times for these plans by 10 days.

City of Casey, Whittlesea City Council and Hume City Council also presented on their Streamlining for Growth projects and Jason Shaw from UDIA rounded out the morning, with a presentation on an industry perspective.

Learn more about the Streamlining for Growth Program.