Recent Planning Updates

New Single Home Code to guide decisions on planning permit applications 

As of 8th September 2025, the Victorian State Government has introduced changes that require all planning applications for single dwellings and small second dwellings (e.g. a small 60 square metre house or less) to be assessed under the new Single Home Code (Clause 54) standards and objectives. 

All applications lodged on or after 8th September 2025 must meet the revised Clause 54 “deemed-to-comply” standards. Applications lodged before that date will be assessed under the previous Clause 54 requirements. 

Some of the notable changes in the updated Clause 54 code include: 

  • Objectors will no longer have the right to apply for a review of a planning decision to the Victorian and Civil Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) where an application complies with the new Code 

  • Where an application does not meet some parts of the new Code an objector may have a right to review to VCAT, depending on which part of the Code has not been met 

  • Council must grant a planning permit for a development that meets the new ‘deemed to comply’ standards of the new Code, even if objections have been received. 

  • The VicSmart criteria has been expanded. Where a new dwelling, or small second dwelling comply with the VicSmart requirements no public notice can be given by Council and there are no rights for neighbours to apply for a review at VCAT. 

If you would like to know more about the Single Home Code or the application process you can visit the State Government's website at Single home code or speak with a Council planning officer on 9240 1111. 

 

Liqour Reform

Amendment VC286 has been gazetted into the Merri-bek Planning Scheme as of 1 July 2025. The amendment has removed Clause 52.27 (Licensed Premises) which relates to planning permissions for the sale and consumption of liquor. Whilst a Planning Permit may no longer be required to sell and consume liquor for a new business, a planning permit may still be required for the use of the land including a restaurant or bar. Please contact Council's Planning Department for further advice about whether a new business requires a planning permit.

New Townhouse and Low-Rise Code influencing development outcomes

As of 6th March 2025 the Victorian State Government has introduced significant changes that require all planning applications for multi-unit townhouse proposals up to three storeys to be assessed against new ‘Townhouse and Low-Rise Code’ standards and objectives.

Any application lodged before this date or any application to amend a permit issued before this date must meet the previous version of the Clause 55 'Rescode' standards and objectives.

Some notable changes in the new Code are:

  • Objectors will no longer have the right to lodge a review of an application to the Victorian and Civil Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) where an application complies with the new Code
  • Where an application does not meet some parts of the new Code an objector may have a right to appeal to VCAT depending on which part of the Code has not been met
  • Council must grant a planning permit for a development that meets the new ‘deemed to comply’ standards of the new Code, even if objections have been received.

If you would like to know more about the new Town House and Low-rise Code or the application process you can visit the State Government's website at New townhouse and low-rise code enabling better outcomes and faster permits or speak with a Council planning officer on 9240 1111.