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Two important issues are the need for certainty about the planning process and the need for accountability to meet responsibilities provided under the Act and its regulations
Key concerns to address
From talking to our clients, we hear the two most important factors are:
- The need for certainty for the community and industry about the planning process
- The need for accountability to meet responsibilities provided under the Act and its regulations
Reform should address both of these issues to provide certainty and clear time frames for decision making. We consider positive measures to address these matters will provide a climate for investment in Victoria without compromise to the quality of planning decisions.
Principles of a Modernised VPP
We support the new principles of a modernised VPP, noting our recommendations as:
- To include a new principle of efficiency, which we say should underpin the planning system.
- Clarify the principle of proportional to minimise the need for planning consents and to streamline process.
Proposal 2: An Integrated Planning Policy Framework
The integration of State and Local Policy, with greater emphasis on local policy is of concern as:
- It may not be policy ‘neutral’, and the revised drafting should be available for further consultation and comment.
- Is likely to lead to an even greater disparity between planning policy framework between Municipalities.
- May undermine a Metropolitan approach, and dilute the importance of Plan Melbourne in providing for a rapidly growing population.
Urbis recommends is a ‘top-down’ approach, where State policy establishes the Metropolitan approach, and local policy provides the nuance of local context and approach.
