Planning information requests

The Planning and Environment Act requires certain planning documents to be made available to the public, however this must be balanced with rights that are protected by other legislation such as the Information Privacy Act 2000 (IP Act), Freedom of Information Act 1982 and others.

If you want to find out whether you can obtain any specific information, please contact our Statutory Planning team on 03 5734 6200.

An open planning application is an application that is undecided or awaiting a VCAT review.

Closed planning applications are those where a decision has been made and there are no current VCAT reviews.

You can view open planning applications for free at at any of our Customer and Library Service Centres during opening hours.

To view a closed application, you will need to make an appointment with our Statutory Planning department 03 5734 6200 or via mitchell@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au.

Copies of open planning applications are subject to a signed agreement specifying incur fees and are subject to a signed agreement specifying their use and are stamped to protect copyright.

For this reason, taking photos of documents is not permitted and documents will not be provided electronically.

If you require planning documents relating to a closed application but are not the planning permit holder, planning permit applicant or landowner, you must provide written consent from:

• planning permit applicant or holder or
• the landowner

If you do not have consent, you will be able to view the planning permit and any endorsed documents, but not obtain copies.

If you are the planning permit holder, planning permit applicant or landowner, you may request a copy of a particular planning document by:

• completing a request for planning information form (found on this page)
• paying the relevant fee

Providing you meet the consent requirements, you can request a copy of:

• a planning permit
• endorsed plans
• certificate of compliance

All associated costs can be found within the request for planning information form (found on this page).

If you are not the permit holder, planning permit applicant or landowner, and you require additional information or are seeking a copy of documents, you will need to complete a Freedom of Information Request and pay a fee.

An assessment must be made about whether anything contained in the requested information breaches other legislation such as the Information Privacy Act 2000.

See freedom of information for more information.