Building or extending? Planning a larger development, or simply interested in planning in Hindmarsh?
Read below to find out more!
Want some advice about your permit needs? Simply fill in the below online form to get verbal advice about your proposed plans or ideas.
<script src ="https://form.jotform.co/static/feedback2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript"> var JFL_93206138100848 = new JotformFeedback({ formId: '93206138100848', base: 'https://form.jotform.co/', windowTitle: 'Developing in Hindmarsh', background: '#FFA500', fontColor: '#FFFFFF', type: '2', height: 500, width: 700, openOnLoad: false }); </script> <a class="btn lightbox-93206138100848" style="margin-top: 16px"> Developing in Hindmarsh </a>DevelLooking for formal written planning advice? Click here to view our application form.
A planning permit is a legal document which gives permission to develop, subdivide or use land for a particular purpose. This is not to be confused with a Building Permit, which deals with the methods of building construction (the ‘nuts and bolts’). To obtain a planning permit, you will need to submit an application to Council. It’s important to do your homework because some uses of land are actually prohibited under the Hindmarsh Planning Scheme, while others are restricted.
A planning permit may be required when you are:
Please note this list is not exhaustive and there may be other instances where you would require a planning permit.
Seeking planning advice? Contact the planning department, with the address of the property that you are enquiring about to have a chat. Should you require written planning advice, please complete a request for planning advice form and submit to Council.
The Hindmarsh Planning Scheme sets out the many types of use and development of land that require a planning permit within Hindmarsh Shire Council.
For more information about planning schemes in general, visit the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning website.
Land throughout Hindmarsh Shire is grouped into zones; e.g. ‘General Residential’ or ‘Farming’. Zones specify the purpose of the subject land and how it can be used. Every zone has a table of uses as follows:
Building and works and subdivision requirements are also outlined within the zone provisions.
An overlay addresses specific issues which may apply to certain areas of land; e.g. ‘flooding’, ‘heritage’ or ‘bushfire management’. Any provisions specified by an overlay apply in addition to zoning provisions, should the land be affected by an overlay.
Curious about what zone your property is in? Visit our community map click here to discover your property!
It is recommended that you contact the planning department to discuss your proposal prior to submitting an application. Pre-lodgement meetings are encouraged, and are offered as a free service from Council, and are available by appointment.
Preparing your application
When lodging your application, you will require the following items:
PLEASE NOTE: Depending on the complexity of your application, it is recommended that you engage the services of a licensed surveyor, draftsperson or planning consultant to assist you with preparing your application. Council cannot recommend any licensed surveyor, draftsperson or planning consultant.
Need help with your application? Click here.
Lodging your application
Council welcomes applications over the counter, via email or posted. Subdivision applications can also be submitted directly through the Surveying and Planning through Electronic Applications and Referrals (SPEAR) website via the engagement of a licensed land surveyor. Your application will be assessed, and the planner will contact you should further information be required.
Receiving your permit
Should your permit be approved, the planner will contact you to inform you of Council’s decision. Your permit will include your endorsed plans, and will likely contain conditions, which must be abided by. Should you have any queries in relation to your permit, you are welcome to discuss these with the planner.
Please note that you may need other approvals in addition to a planning permit – such as a building permit, a local laws permit, or an environmental health permit.
Need to change your permit or plans? Contact the Planning department on (03) 5391 4444 to discuss your proposed amendments prior to submitting an application for an amendment or an application for secondary consent.
Feel like you need more time? Planning permits do have expiry dates. You can apply for an extension of your permit by submitting an application to extend a planning permit and paying the applicable fee as advised.
Low impact, straightforward and simple proposals may be eligible for VicSmart processing. This means that the application can be processed in 10 business days, the application will not be required to be advertised, and the application information is subject to criteria within the planning scheme.
For more information about VicSmart permits and to check your eligibility, visit the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s VicSmart Planning page. Still not sure? Contact the planning department.
If you feel you may be affected by a planning permit application which has been publicly notified, you are welcome to contact the Planning department to discuss your concerns, or visit the Nhill office to view the application on public display (viewing and booking rules apply – contact (03) 5391 4444).
If you object to an application, you are welcome to submit an objection to Council. Objections must be made in writing, clearly stating your reasons for objection and how you feel you would be affected by the proposal. Contact details such as a name, postal address and phone number must also be included. You must not submit any personal information or copyright material of third parties without their informed consent. By submitting the material, you agree that the use of the material as detailed above does not breach any third party's right to privacy and copyright.
All types of submissions are considered, including emails and hand written letters and diagrams, however you must send them in to Council to ensure that your position is recorded and considered. Please note that petitions or joint letters are only considered as one objection, and that it is normal practice for the ‘first named’ person to become the formal contact point.
Submissions can be made up until a decision is made on the proposed application.
What happens when a use or development occurs illegally without planning permission? Click here to view Council's Planning Enforcement Fact Sheet.
Hindmarsh Shire Council
92 Nelson Street
Nhill, VIC 3418
Phone: (03) 5391 4444
Email: info@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au; marked 'Attention Planning'.
As per the announcement from the Premier today, our customer service centres and libraries will open up to the public as of tomorrow, Thursday 18 February 2021. To view our customer service centre opening hours, click here. For our opening hours for all libraries, click here.
Transfer stations, swimming pools and council community buildings will open with some restrictions remaining in place.
Patrons will need to ensure they adhere to restrictions in place including wearing face masks when required.
For further information on the current guidelines, please visit the Department of Health and Human Services website here: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.
Updated 17/02/2021