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
Why do you need a planning permit
You can apply to amend a valid planning permit if your proposed changes:
- change what the permit allows, such as the approved use or development
- change one or more permit conditions
- involve changes to approved (endorsed) plans that are not already allowed by a permit condition
For minor changes to endorsed plans, you may be able to apply under Secondary Consent.
Before you apply
- Read the conditions on your planning permit carefully to make sure changes are allowed.
- Check the permit expiry date.
- Unsure? Contact Council’s Planning department for advice.
What you must provide
- A completed Application to Amend a Planning Permit Form - 2.1MB (not needed if applying via the Online Planning Portal).
- A full and current copy of your Certificate of Title (dated within 90 days), including:
Title Plan
Register Search Statement
All associated title documents (‘Instruments’).
A full copy of any registered restrictive covenant or Section 173 Agreement that applies to the land.
A digital copy of your plans with proposed changes clearly highlighted Plans required for your planning application
A statement or cover letter detailing:
Why the changes are needed
A list of all proposed changes.
Payment of the application fee - we will send an invoice for payment.
How to apply
- Online: Online Planning Portal
- Email: council@cgd.vic.gov.au
- Post: Planning Department, City of Greater Dandenong, PO Box 200, Dandenong VIC 3175.
- In person: Planning Service Counter during business hours.
What happens next
- We will process your application after the full fee is paid.
- Amendments follow the same process as a new planning permit application.
- Council may need to advertise your application (fees apply) and refer it to other agencies for approval.
- To see the steps involved, visit the Planning permit application process page.
Privacy notice
Any material you submit - including plans and personal details - can be viewed by the public. Council may provide copies to interested parties for review.
