Planning activity is higher than average

Development works valued at more than $4 million were approved by Baw Baw Shire during September.

A planning activity report to council said the total value of works for permits issued this financial year was $13.4 million – three times the amount of an average rural municipality of $4.7 million.

The September figures showed council received 50 planning permit applications and approved 37 applications.

Planning staff received 57 requests for written planning advice during the month.

Nine plans of certification were issued for plans of subdivision with a total of 130 lots approved and 108 lots released for development.

In September 57 per cent of decisions were made within 60 days, which is well below the rural average of 75 per cent.

However, 89 per cent of VicSmart applications were determined within 10 business days.

Cr Joe Gauci said it was pleasing that 89 per cent of VicSmart applications were processed within 10 days.

Cr Gauci said the information in the report was an interesting snapshot of the planning department.

He said there had been 57 requests for written planning advice and the applications could range from a 600 lot subdivision to two lots.

Cr Peter Kostos said council had received 132 applications for this financial year and the rural average was 24.

“Our planning department is dealing with an extremely high number compared to the averages. This report shows how hard our planning department is working,” he said.

Cr Darren Wallace said the total number of active applications continued to grow.

He said planning was vital in every local government area and generated income “so planning applications should be as least difficult as possible.”

“A well functioning planning department is vital to the success of Baw Baw Shire,” he said.