State Government changes to the Planning and Environment Act 1987 in November 2025 have introduced new requirements for how Councils manage incomplete planning applications and amended permit applications.
These changes give Councils the ability to void applications submitted to Council without all the required information. Council is updating its processes to reflect these legislative changes from Monday 11 May 2026.
Why has this process been introduced?
Incomplete or poorly prepared applications can significantly delay assessment, create uncertainty for applicants, and slow decision‑making for all that are involved.
The changes aim to:
- improve the quality of applications submitted to Council
- reduce delays caused by missing information
- ensure planning timeframes are fair and efficient
- support faster and more consistent decisions
By requiring applications to be complete from the outset, Council can focus on assessing proposals rather than repeatedly requesting basic or mandatory application information.
What does this mean for you as an applicant?
When you submit a planning application or amended planning application, you must include all mandatory information required under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and relevant planning controls.
If required information is missing:
- Council will request the missing information within 5 business days.
- If all requested information is not provided within the required timeframe of 10 business days, the planning application will be deemed void.
- Please note that the time taken by Council to request further information, and for the applicant to respond, does not count toward the statutory assessment timeframes, as the application is not considered received until all required information is provided in full and all at once and payment of the fee is received.
- If an application is voided, a new application will need to be submitted. Please note that any fees paid for a voided application will be refunded.
How can applicants avoid delays?
To help your application progress smoothly:
- check Council’s application checklists before lodging
- ensure all plans, reports, and forms are complete and accurate
- seek professional planning advice if required
- respond promptly and fully to any requests for further information and payment
You must include all required documents when you submit your planning permit application. Incomplete applications cannot be accepted.
What you must provide when you apply
Include the following minimum requirements when you submit your application:
- a completed Application for a Planning Permit form (not required if your application is submitted via the Online Planning Portal)
Application for a Planning Permit Form - 1.8MB
- a full and current copy of the Certificate of Title no older than 90 days, including the Title Plan, Register Search Statement and all associated title documents known as ‘Instruments’
- a full copy of any registered restrictive covenant or Section 173 Agreements that may apply to your land (these are included on your Certificate of Title or as an attachment to it)
- a digital copy of your plans - see the Plans required for your planning application page
- if it applies to your application, a current Metropolitan Planning Levy (MPL) certificate. For details about the levy and the threshold for the current financial year, visit the State Revenue Office website
- a cover letter is optional, however you can include extra details about your proposal in it
- the application fee
If you do not choose to submit your application via the Online Planning Portal and you wish to pay the application fee by credit card, please submit your application to Council and you will be sent an invoice. You can pay it on MyGreaterDandenong.com
Applications will not be formally lodged and cannot be processed until the full application fee has been paid.
Other information you may need to submit
For some types of planning permit applications, other application requirements may apply. For example, your application may need to address Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD).
For more information about fees and what you need when applying, refer to the Planning forms, fees and information guides page.
How to submit your application
Submit your application:
- electronically via the Online Planning Portal
- by email to council@cgd.vic.gov.au
- by post to Planning Department, City of Greater Dandenong, PO Box 200, Dandenong VIC 3175
- in person at the Planning Service Counter at the Greater Dandenong Civic Centre, Level 3, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong.
Council’s Statutory Planning Department prefers to receive correspondence and documents electronically. This helps improve processing times and reduces paper usage, supporting Council’s vision to be a sustainable city.
Subdivision applications
Subdivision applications can be submitted online via SPEAR (Surveying and Planning through Electronic Applications and Referrals).
SPEAR allows subdivision planning permits, certification applications and other land administration dealings to be compiled, lodged, managed, referred, approved and tracked online. Complete end to end workflows are built into SPEAR allowing applications to be lodged online with Land Use Victoria for registration. SPEAR is available at no cost to all users.
For more information, visit www.spear.land.vic.gov.au
Privacy notice
Any material you submit with your application will be available for public viewing. This includes plans and personal information. Council may also make copies for interested parties to review.
The information on the Application for a Planning Permit form is required under:
- Section 47 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987
- Regulations 15 and 38 of the Planning and Environment Regulations 2005.
What happens next?
Visit the steps in the planning application process section to see what happens after you submit your application.
Our commitment
Council Officers are committed to working with applicants and providing clear guidance on application requirements. These changes are intended to improve outcomes for applicants and the wider community by supporting timely and well‑informed planning decisions.
