How to object
Review the application material
To prepare a well-informed objection, it’s important to understand the proposal.
Familiarise yourself with the application documents such as plans, reports, and any assessments. You can access these documents online by searching the application number or property address in our Planning Permit Register.
Search the Planning Permit Register
You can also view the documents:
- online - by scanning the QR code on an advertising notice
- in person - at Stonnington City Centre, 311 Glenferrie Road, Malvern.
The application will not be decided upon during the advertising period.
Prepare your objection
Next, write down clear reasons to support the objection.
Gather any supporting documents such as photos. You can upload them when completing your objection online.
Your objection must:
- be in writing
- include the permit application number and the land’s address
- clearly state the reasons for your objection and how you would be affected if a planning permit is granted
- include your name and contact details (address or email and phone number).
You do not need to use technical planning terms or regulations to justify your objection. Constructive suggestions can also be useful.
Submit your objection
The fast, easy way to object is online.
Submit now
If you need a paper objection form, contact the planning department on 03 8290 3329.
If we receive many objections, we may arrange a consultative meeting. This is an informal discussion between the applicant, objectors, Ward Councillors, and planning officer. It’s an opportunity to better understand the application, ask questions, and discuss any issues.
You can negotiate changes during a consultative meeting, but a final decision will not be made at the meeting.
A petition is counted as one objection. It will be registered under the first person named on the petition.
To withdraw your objection, write to the relevant Planner and notify that you wish to withdraw.
If you withdraw your objection, you will not be informed of the decision and cannot appeal the decision to VCAT.
Your objection is assessed
The planning officer will assess your objection.
If we receive many objections, we may arrange a consultative meeting. This is an informal discussion between the applicant, objectors, Ward Councillors, and planning officer. It’s an opportunity to better understand the application, ask questions, and discuss any issues.
You can negotiate changes during a consultative meeting, but a final decision will not be made at the meeting.
We will consider every objection, however the number of objections received does not affect the outcome.
All objectors will receive an acknowledgement of receipt.
A decision is made
Planning decisions are made by either the planning department or Council during a Council meeting.
During assessment of the planning application, the planning officer prepares a report including:
- a description of the proposal and the land
- review of any referral advice
- review of any objections
- assessment of the proposal against the Stonnington Planning Scheme
- a recommended decision.
To check the application’s current status, search for it on the Planning Permit Register.
In most cases, you’ll receive notice of the decision within 60 days. However, more complex applications or those with detailed negotiations could exceed 60 days.
We’ll send you, in writing:
- a Notice of Decision or a Notice of Refusal
- the Planning Officer’s report, including assessment against the grounds of objection.