Scheme Amendments

Relevant Links:

Department of Sustainability & Environment

On occasion, the Warrnambool Planning Scheme may be changed to reflect new circumstances or to facilitate improvements to the Planning Scheme. The Minister for Planning, the Council or an applicant may initiate an amendment.

The amendment may involve a change to the Planning Scheme map (such as a change to the Zone of the land or the introduction or removal of an overlay control) or a change to the Planning Scheme ordinance, or both.

Any changes to the Planning Scheme must be strategically justified and must be consistent with the State Planning Policy Framework and Local Planning Policy Framework found within the Warrnambool Planning Scheme.

Issues to be considered when preparing an Amendment:

Is an amendment required?
What is the strategic basis for the amendment or proposal?
Have the requirements of the Planning and Environment Act 1983 been considered?
Does the amendment or proposal support or implement the State Planning Policy Framework and the Local Planning Policy Framework?
What consequences will any proposed or necessary changes to the Municipal Strategic Statement or local planning policies have for other aspects of the policy framework?
Does the amendment make proper use of the Victoria Planning Provisions?
What is the outcome of the amendment or proposal in terms of the planning scheme’s strategic directions, usability and transparency?

(Source: General Practice Note ‘Strategic Assessment Guidelines’ August 2004, Department of Sustainability & Environment)

The process for an Amendment to the Planning Scheme is outlined in the Planning and Environment Act 1987. Details of the Planning Scheme Amendment Process are found at the Department of Sustainability and Environment website.