Our Planning Scheme

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Planning is concerned with how we use and develop land.

Land in Indigo Shire may only be used or developed in accordance with the Indigo Planning Scheme, which has been developed under Victoria's planning system. This system allows local councils and the State Government to develop planning schemes to control land use and development.

The Indigo Planning Scheme is the instrument under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 which regulates the use and development of land within the Shire.  

It contains planning policies, zones, overlays and other provisions relating to the use, development, protection and conservation of land within the Indigo Shire.

The purpose of the Indigo Planning Scheme is to:

  • provide a clear and consistent framework within which decisions about the use and development of land can be made;
  • to express state, regional, local and community expectations for areas and land uses;
  • and to provide for the implementation of State, regional and local policies affecting land use and development.

If the Indigo Planning Scheme allows a particular use of land, it may be developed for that use provided all requirements of the scheme are met. 

Changes to the Scheme

A planning scheme may need to be amended for the following reasons:

  • To improve or implement the strategic vision of a Council's scheme
  • To implement new State, regional or local policy
  • To update the scheme
  • To correct mistakes
  • To rezone and/or apply overlays
  • To set aside land for acquisition for a public purpose, or to remove such a reservation when it is no longer needed in the scheme
  • Applications under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 for a combined rezoning and development of a site.

A planning scheme amendment can be initiated by a Council, or a Council at its discretion can respond to a request for an amendment.

Council must obtain consent from the Minister for Planning to prepare and exhibit a planning scheme amendment. The Minister for Planning may also authorise Council to approve an amendment if the amendment is minor.

An amendment does not become part of the planning scheme until it is approved by the Minister and notice is given in the Victorian Government Gazette.

 

Compliance with the Scheme

Land may be used or developed only in accordance with the Indigo Planning Scheme. If the Indigo Planning Scheme allows a particular use of land, it may be developed for that use provided all requirements of the scheme are met.

To ensure compliance with the Indigo Planning Scheme and building policies, we may take action on breaches of these regulations. This may include investigating building works and demolitions conducted without the appropriate planning permits.

 

 

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