Speak to a Town Planner
Our planning officers can tell you if you need a planning permit and make sure that what you want to do is not prohibited. If a proposal is prohibited, we will recommend that the application be refused.
If a permit is required, you should get a copy of the Planning Scheme Provisions that we will use to assess the application. The Latrobe Planning Scheme is available online.
If you require any specific information, the best way to obtain planning information from Council is to submit your request in writing by filling in the Written Planning Advice Application form. Alternatively, you can make an appointment to speak to one of our planning officers in person at the Morwell corporate headquarters.
Check your land zone/overlays
The Latrobe Planning Scheme zones land for particular uses, for example, residential, industrial, business or other types of zones. The zones are listed in the planning scheme and each zone has a purpose and set of requirements.
In order to obtain planning information for a property, the Department of Planning and Community Development provides a free application which you can use to determine the zoning information. Click here to obtain a free Planning Property Report.
Once you obtain a planning property report, you can directly access the relevant zonings and overlays by clicking on the links in the report. Zones and overlays also contain information relating to land uses, subdivision of land, construction of new buildings and other changes to the land.
Approach your neighbours
Discussing your proposal with your neighbours at this early stage may help to address any potential issues that may arise.
Consider professional advice
Planning assessments and decision-making are sophisticated processes that involve concepts such as respecting neighbourhood character, achieving good urban design outcomes, protecting reasonable amenity and enhancing heritage significance.
Council and the community are looking for proposals that will meet our expectations.
Getting the right professional advice at the beginning may help develop your ideas, therefore ensuring you meet community expectations and your objectives.