Public transport and planning referrals

The Director of Public Transport (DPT) is now a referral authority under the Planning and Environment Act for major residential, retail, commercial, office and industrial developments. Therefore, Responsible Authorities (generally local councils) must refer nominated applications to the DPT to help integrate land use and transport planning.

Information on this page

• Planning matters requiring referral
• Application process
• Background
• Contact details

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Planning matters requiring referral

The following types of planning applications must be referred to the DPT for consideration:

• A residential development of more than 60 dwellings or lots
• A new retail premises of 4,000 or more square metres of leasable floor area
• An increase to the leasable floor area of an existing retail premises which is 20,000 or more square metres leasable floor area
• A commercial or office development of 10,000 or more square metres of leasable floor area
• An industrial subdivision of 20 or more lots
• A development which closes a road adjoining a public transport stop or which would use land within a closed road adjoining a public transport stop.

See also Public Transport Guidelines for Land Use Development for details of public transport requirements for new developments.

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Application process

Submit the application	Under Section 55 of the Planning and Environment Act, Responsible Authorities must refer planning applications to the DPT as a referral authority.
Application considered and direction provided	The DPT will consider the application and advise the Responsible Authority in writing of one of the following directions: it does not object to the grant of the permit it does not object to the grant of the permit providing that certain conditions are included on the permit, or that certain matters are done to its satisfaction it objects to the grant of the permit on specified grounds. The DPT may provide other information which it considers relevant and of assistance to the Responsible Authority in making a decision. Such information must be clearly distinguishable from the directions. The DPT must reply to the Responsible Authority within 28 days from the date of receiving the referral (including mailing times). Alternatively, a request for further information must be provided to the Responsible Authority within 21 days of receiving the application (including mailing times).
Application decision	The Responsible Authority must then follow the directions of the DPT to: refuse the application if the DPT has objected, or include any condition on the permit and/or not include other conditions which would conflict with those required by the DPT The Responsible Authority must then provide the DPT with a copy of its decision and a copy of any notices of its decision to grant or refuse a permit. If the DPT's conditions are not met, it can apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal to cancel or amend the permit.

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Background

Victoria's planning system operates under the Planning and Environment Act 1987. The Act covers the Victorian Planning Provisions which are used as the base for planning schemes for each municipality in Victoria. As part of planning schemes, planning permits may be required for land use and development.

Planning schemes were amended in October 2006 to make the DPT a planning referral authority, as some proposed developments may affect existing or proposed public transport services and facilities.

This means that the DPT may impose conditions or, when appropriate, refuse planning permit applications based on the impact on public transport. Therefore, bodies responsible for administering planning schemes must act in accordance with the DPT's directions.

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Contact details

Email	Public Transport Division
Telephone	(03) 9095 4106 or (03) 9095 4107
Fax	(03) 9655 8993
Mail	Public Transport Division Department of Transport GPO Box 2797 Melbourne VIC 3001