That information isn’t applicable to Victoria, you need a planning permit except for in the circumstances I mentioned previously.

Hi Sinders,

A granny flat is so called as it is considered to be temporary accommodation for someone who is dependent on the occupants of the main home.  In many areas of Victoria, including in residential areas in Melbourne a granny flat is allowed without a planning permit.  However the catch is that it is supposed to be temporary and used as…[Read more]

Perhaps another way to look at it is that these companies service people who don't want to or don't have time to be involved at all.  I think Christian hit the nail on the head with saying that they would most likely play it safe with the proposal.  It isn't too hard to look at a block and see that a unit development is possible, the harder part…[Read more]

Hi Gavsam,As mentioned above, it is really hard to know at this stage how it will all come out. I believe the intention is for the new zones to take the existing information from zones and policy (such as neighbourhood character) and make it easier to see what type of development is wanted in an area, without needing to read the whole planning…[Read more]

Hi Monique,With regards to your search it may be that the online register is not complete (i.e. it doesn't go back to the start of records), or the record may not have been inputted (or they could be lost).  You can ring the council and speak to the town planning department to see if there are any other records.  This can be done on your behalf b…[Read more]

Hi MonDan,No problems.  Ashley is quite right that any planner can assist as we work Melbourne-wide (and thanks for your comment Ashley).  It sounds like it has a bit of a history!  The "test" to getting a covenant removed can be a  bit of a hurdle as if a beneficiary states that they will be negatively affected and it is not seen as vexatious the…[Read more]

Hi MonDan,Historically you could build and even get planning permits without anyone checking whether there were covenants on the land, but that changed a few years ago.  I even know of a case where they got a planning permit before the legislation change, but didn't build in time and now they can't build unless the covenant is…[Read more]

Hi,Whether you want to build a house or not, you may still need to submit house plans with the council.  Given the size of your land you may just be able to split the block, but it depends on the council and the planning controls.  I would talk to the council about your idea and see whether you could just apply for a planning permit for s…[Read more]

Hi Mike,Make sure that you get an arborist, not a tree lopper.  Maroondah has several arborists that assess tree applications and will not accept advice from anyone who is not qualified.  You will also want to check if there are any neighbouring trees that could be an issue.  Maroondah won't approve anything that they believe will harm a ne…[Read more]

Ok, well I'm a planner in Victoria so I can help with zoning information. For the type of development you were talking about any residential zoning would be possible.  Res 2 is broadly used by some councils to indicate "higher density" areas, but units are not prohibited in the other residential areas just controlled.In that area I would say that…[Read more]

Hi,It would be useful to give a location/state as planning is state based and then people from that state would be able to give you some advice about zoning.Regards,

First step in researching a particular site would be to see if it is broadly possible, so check if there is a covenant on the title restricting development on the lot and then find out the zoning/overlays covering the site.  From there have a chat to a town planner (council or private) or read up on the restrictions/requirements for those zones…[Read more]

Hi Maternic,One thing to know is that for the size of land you are talking about you will have to get house plans approved before you will be able to subdivide. As Mike said, first step is the speak to a planner to see if it is possible then from there a building designer.  I do quite a bit of work down that was so can connect you to some…[Read more]

In the case that we were talking about above the zoning hasn't changed (just my assumption but this is how it usually is).  There are a number of uses such as medical centres, childcares, milkbars etc that can operate in residentially zoned areas.  Basically the zone is residential and a planning permit is granted for a specific commercial use, t…[Read more]

Hi Tajone,With the size of land you are talking about you are first going to need house plans to be approved.  Assuming that something is approved your options are:1. Build and subdivide.2. Subdivide without building which usually entails having the house plan tied to the new title (really only for people who are looking to sell part of their…[Read more]

No problem!

jdawson is right, the zoning is most likely still residential but a permit is issued for a commercial use.  Only some uses are allowed in a residential zone, this includes medical centres and milk bars.  The most common non-residential conversion is probably some kind of medical centre (this includes dentists and other therapies like physio) and t…[Read more]

I like your idea on the region centres, Christian.  I worked in Moreland CC for a while. From memory there might be areas that the Council is looking to redevelop for mixed use/housing so it might be worth talking to the council or getting someone to investigate potential suitable areas.  I think that it might be easier to identify potential a…[Read more]

Hi Anthony,In terms of the most common zones in Victoria the ones that allow houses are the residential zones, mixed use zone and business zone (though there are restrictions in this zone).  You can find out the planning controls by looking up the relevant planning scheme here http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/index.htmlHaving done some work…[Read more]

I don't have any personal experience with these types of companies, but as Ian said it is worth getting some information to compare costs.  These types of companies will need to make a profit of course, you just want to make sure its a fair deal for you!Also it is worth noting that depending on the size of your property and the area it may not be…[Read more]