Development Plans

What is the Development Plan Overlay?

The Development Plan Overlay (DPO) is a planning tool used to require a plan to be prepared to coordinate and guide the future use and development of land before a planning permit can be granted.

The Development Plan Overlay:

  • Guides the content of the plan by specifying particular requirements in a schedule for the land.
  • Provides certainty to the community, Council and Developers about the nature of the proposed use or development on the land.
  • Removes public notice provisions for subsequent planning permit applications.
  • Identifies particular permit conditions that help to implement the plan and ensure permits granted are in general conformity with the plan.
  • Provides statutory force to development plans.

Within a DPO, a Planning Permit can only be granted if the proposal is generally in accordance with the approved development plan. It is important to note that even if a planning permit application is generally in accordance it does not mean it will be approved. Any proposal will still be assessed on its planning merits, against all other relevant policies and provisions of the Moira Planning Scheme.

What is an approved Development Plan?

A development plan may be put forward by landowners or their representatives, authorities or others. The schedule to the DPO will identify planning considerations for a particular site, but the proposed development plan will also need to address normal planning considerations. An application for a development plan would usually include:

  • a site conditions and analysis plan to identify key considerations.
  • a number of appropriate background reports, depending on the proposal and location.  Examples of background reports may include:
    • flora and fauna impacts assessment;
    • assessments relating to potential contamination;
    • traffic management plan;
    • servicing plans for water, sewer or other infrastructure;
    • cultural heritage management plan.
  • in the case of a residential subdivision, a report addressing the requirements of Clause 56 of the Moira Planning Scheme.
  • an outline development plan, detailed development plan or master plan document that synthesises all the above information into a document that can guide the future development of the area. This usually looks like a one-page plan of the site and is endorsed as being the Development Plan.

Detailed design is not usually required and the background reports will identify the issues that need to be addressed by the Development Plan and subsequent permit applications. Speaking to a Council planner or an appropriately qualified planning consultant will assist in identifying the specific work required. 

The package of work helps inform the decision by Council as to whether the Development Plan is acceptable but the background reports are not approved by the Development Plan or endorsed by it. Once satisfied that the Development Plan conveys the appropriate level of information, it is endorsed and becomes a statutory document that assists in future decision making.

 

 

  

 

 

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