Community planning services in Glenelg Shire Council : 1998-2005 ...

Did the council comply with key legislative, planning scheme and other requirements? 23
3.1 Introduction
As with many Victorian coastal councils, the demand for property
subdivision and development in the Glenelg Shire has increased
substantially in recent times, particularly along its coastline boundary and
within residential areas surrounding Portland.
During this period, the challenge for the Glenelg Shire Council has been to
facilitate development while protecting the area’s unique, environmental,
cultural and heritage assets.
The council’s planning scheme sets the framework within which
development can take place, by regulating certain types of land use and
development through the issue of planning permits.
Each year, the council processes about 400 planning permit applications.
These include simple, non-sensitive applications such as building carports
and new fences or painting buildings. They also include complex
applications that involve significant developments, sensitive
environmental or heritage issues, and community concerns.
The council has numerous statutory obligations and responsibilities 9 in
assessing and approving these planning applications. As well, the council
must follow its own imposed requirements, most of which are separately
detailed in the council delegations and planning policies.
3.1.1 Planning permit process
The process for issuing planning permits typically involves 5 stages:
appraising the application and ensuring its completeness
notifying those who may be affected by the proposed application
(where there is possible material detriment)
referring the application to relevant authorities, as required by the
planning scheme
9 Pursuant to the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and Subdivision Act 1988.