A new planning permit model for council approvals will spare long delays for many, the new system has been called ‘revolutionary’.

Victorian Planning Minister Matthew Guy has announced the launch of VicSmart, a new system that will see permit approvals streamlined for applicants that meet standard criteria.

Mr Guy said, “Councils will set straight forward rules and if an applicant meets those rules, then a permit will be issued within 10 working days... it is a simple process that satisfies both councils want for policy certainty and an applicant’s desire for a fast outcome. Years of red tape additions to the State’s planning system has done little to deliver any real outcomes. VicSmart is a real game changer.”

With developers constantly lamenting the amount of bureaucratic red tape between them and a completed project, VicSmart will allegedly boost confidence and certainty amongst planners and investors. The new system will allow the Victorian government to process 8,500 permits within ten days, covering areas such as; realigning a subdivided common land boundary, constructing or extending front fences, certain sign displays, car space changes or solar energy installation.

“The transference of many of these smaller permit applications from regular planning processes to the VicSmart system will free up huge amounts of time, energy and resources for council planning departments, allowing councils to focus on permits that require greater analysis,” said the Planning Minister.

More information on the new permit system can be found at the Department of Planning and Community Development site.