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Contents

5.1 Opportunitiesforreviewofplanningdecisions ..................................................... 35.1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 35.1.2 Summary of the review process .............................................................................. 35.1.3 Legislativeprovisions ............................................................................................... 45.1.4 Establishingthescopeofanapplicationforreview .............................................. 105.1.5 Exemptionfromobjectors’reviewrightsforspecifiedtypesofpermit applications............................................................................................................ 10

5.2 Makinganapplicationforreview ......................................................................... 115.2.1 Whatmustthepersonmakingtheapplicationforreviewdo? ............................. 115.2.2 Whoarethepartiestoanapplicationforreview? ................................................ 135.2.3 Arrangements for the hearing ............................................................................... 135.2.4 Cananapplicationforreviewbewithdrawn? ....................................................... 14

5.3 Whathappensatthehearing? .............................................................................. 175.3.1 Whohearsanapplicationforreview? ................................................................... 175.3.2 Attendancebytheparties ..................................................................................... 175.3.3 Procedure at hearings ............................................................................................ 185.3.4 Submissions .......................................................................................................... 195.3.5 Expert evidence ..................................................................................................... 205.3.6 Questioninganexpertwitness .............................................................................. 205.3.7 Whatfactorsmustbetakenintoaccountindecidinganapplicationforreview? . 205.3.8 The decision ........................................................................................................... 215.3.9 Costs ...................................................................................................................... 225.3.10 ReviewsrelatingtoVicSmartpermitapplications ................................................. 225.3.11 MajorCasesList ..................................................................................................... 23

5.4 Othertypesofapplicationsforreview ................................................................. 245.4.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 245.4.2 Procedural defects in the planning scheme amendment process ......................... 245.4.3 Applicationtoreviewnoticeandmoreinformationrequestsbyaresponsible authority ................................................................................................................ 245.4.4 Failuretograntapermitwithintheprescribedtime ............................................ 255.4.5 Applicationsrelatingtoextensionsoftime ........................................................... 275.4.6 Affectedpersonsmayseekleavetoapplyforareviewofadecisiontogrant a permit ................................................................................................................. 275.4.7 Cancellationandamendmentofplanningpermits ............................................... 285.4.8 Enforcement orders and interim enforcement orders ........................................... 295.4.9 Applicationsundersections149,149Aand149BofthePlanning and Environment Act 1987 ........................................................................................... 295.4.10 Amendments to agreements ................................................................................. 30

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5.5 Procedures ............................................................................................................. 305.5.1 Directionshearing.................................................................................................. 305.5.2 Urgent hearing ....................................................................................................... 315.5.3 Practicedays .......................................................................................................... 315.5.4 Compulsory conference ......................................................................................... 315.5.5 Mediation .............................................................................................................. 325.5.6 Aquestionoflaw ................................................................................................... 325.5.7 InterventionbyaMinister ..................................................................................... 33

5.6 Furtherinformationaboutreviews ...................................................................... 345.6.1 VCATPracticeNotes ............................................................................................... 345.6.2 VCATForms ............................................................................................................ 345.6.3 VCATDecisions....................................................................................................... 345.6.4 Guideline decisions ................................................................................................ 355.6.5 GeneralInformation .............................................................................................. 35

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reviews 55.1 Opportunitiesforreviewofplanningdecisions

5.1.1 Introduction

ApplicationscanbemadetotheVictorianCivilandAdministrativeTribunal(VCAT)toreviewdifferenttypesofplanningdecisionsmadebyaresponsibleauthority.

This chapter provides a general overview of the procedures and processes in the Planning and Environment Act 1987(theAct)andtheVictorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998(theVCATAct)fortheindependentreviewofplanningdecisionsbyVCAT.Thechapterprovidesgeneralinformationonlyandisnotasubstituteforplanningorlegaladvicethatmayberequiredinparticularcircumstances.

TherighttoanindependentreviewofspecifieddecisionsissetdownintheAct.OneoftheobjectivesoftheActis‘toprovideanaccessibleprocessforjustandtimelyreviewofdecisionswithoutunnecessaryformality’.TheActestablishesopportunitiesforVCATto independently review decisions about planning permits made by the responsible authorityadministeringtheplanningscheme.VCATmakesanindependentassessmentoftherelevantissues.Mostoftheapplicationsforreviewinvolvedecisionsaboutplanning permits for the use and development of land.

VCATalsohasotherdecision-makingpowersincircumstanceswherenoreviewofanearlierdecisionismadebecausetheapplicationismadedirecttotheTribunal.Forexample,applicationstocancelpermits,andapplicationsforenforcementorders.

AnapplicationmadetoVCATtoreviewadecisionorplanningmatterisan‘applicationforreview’.The‘applicantforreview’isthepartywhomadetheapplication.

5.1.2 Summaryofthereviewprocess

TheVCATActsetsoutVCAT’sjurisdiction,powersandauthority.ThepresidentorheadofVCATisaSupremeCourtJudge.VCAThasthreedivisions:theCivil,Administrativeand Human Rights Divisions. Each Division has lists of members who specialise in the varioustypesofapplicationsforreview.MembersofthePlanningandEnvironmentListarequalifiedandexperiencedlegalpractitioners,plannersandotherspecialists.

TheprocessofreviewingthedecisionbeginswhenanapplicationforreviewismadetothePrincipalRegistrar,VCATPlanningandEnvironmentListlocatedat55KingStreet,Melbourne.

TheRegistrarmayarrangemediation,adirectionshearingoracompulsoryconferencetotrytosettlethematterortoclarifyanaspectofthedispute.MostapplicationsproceedtoahearingbeforeamemberofthePlanningandEnvironmentList,whoisappointedbyVCATtodecidetheapplication.

Thehearinggivesallpartiestotheapplicationforreviewtheopportunitytopresentwrittenandoralsubmissions,tocallorgiveevidenceandtoaskquestionsofwitnesses.VCATdecidesthemeritsoftheapplicationandcanaffirm,modifyorsetasidethedecisionbeingreviewed.Ifthedecisionissetaside,VCATcanmakeanewdecision.

PEA s. 4(2)(j)

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TheTribunal’sdecisioncontainsanordertogiveeffecttoitsdecision.Forexample,theordermaydirectthatapermitisnotissued,orthatapermitisissuedwithspecifiedconditions.

SometimesVCATwillindicateitsdecisionattheendofthehearingandorallygivereasonsforthatdecision.However,thedecisioncanbereserved.Inallcasesawrittendecisionisissuedtoallpartiessometimeafterthehearing.Iforalreasonshavenotbeengiven,thedecisionmustincludewrittenreasons.

VCAT’sdecisionisfinalandbindingonallpartiesunlessthereisanappealtotheSupremeCourtonaquestionoflaw.

Partiestoanapplicationforreviewnormallymeettheirowncostsforpreparingandpresentingsubmissionsatthehearing.However,VCATcanrequireapartytopaysomeorallofanotherparty’scostsifonepartyhasbeenunnecessarilydisadvantagedbyanotherparty’sconduct.Thefailureoftheapplicantforreviewtoattendthehearingwithout a good reason is a circumstance where costs might be awarded to another party.

5.1.3 Legislativeprovisions

Theprovisionsforreviewofplanningdecisionsaresetoutinthe:

• Planning and Environment Act 1987(theAct)

• Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998(theVCATAct)

Theaccompanyingrulesandregulationsaresetoutinthe:

• PlanningandEnvironmentRegulations2015(theRegulations)

• VictorianCivilandAdministrativeTribunalRules1998.

Table5.1providesasummaryofgeneralinformationaboutthemorecommontypesofdecisionsthataresubjecttoindependentreviewbyVCAT.TheTabledoesnotincludeeveryopportunityforreviewthatisprovidedinthelegislation.Applicantsforreviewshouldconfirmtheirreviewrights,theprecisenatureoftheapplicationforreviewand the relevant provisions of the Act with the responsible authority. It may also be prudent to obtain planning or legal advice.

Inthefirstinstanceitisessentialtoidentifythetypeofapplicationforreviewtobemade,orthedecisionthatisdisputed,andtoconfirmthatanapplicationforreviewtoVCATcanbemade.Thisinformationwillalsohelptoclarifythescopeofthematterandtherelevantplanningconsiderations.

VCATA ss. 116, 117

VCATA s. 109

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Table5.1SummaryofprovisionsforcommontypesofapplicationsforreviewtoVCAT

SectionofPEA

Typeofapplicationforreview

Whocanmaketheapplicationforreview

Timelimitformakingtheapplicationforreview

Timelimitprescribedin

s. 39 FailurebytheMinister,aplanning authority or a panel to comply with procedures relatingtoaplanningscheme amendment which has not been approved (Divisions1,2or3ofPart3;orPart8oftheAct)

Apersonwhoissubstantiallyormateriallyaffectedbythefailure

Notlaterthanonemonth of becoming aware of the failure

PEAs.39(1)

s. 77 Refusal to grant a permit Applicant for permit Within60daysafterthe responsible authority gave noticeofrefusaltogrant a permit under section65

PER r. 29

s.78(a) Requirementtogivenoticeofanapplicationunderss.52(1)(d)or57BoftheAct

Applicant for permit s.52(1)(d)–Within 30 days of requirementtogivenotice

PERr.30(1)

s.57B–Notimeprescribed

N/A

s.78(b) Requirementformoreinformationaboutapermitapplicationunders.54(1)ofthe Act

Applicant for permit Within60daysafterthe responsible authorityrequestedtheinformation

PERr.30(2)

s. 79 Failure to grant a permit withintheprescribedtime:

Applicant for permit PER r. 31

• foraVicSmartpermitapplication

After10businessdaysfrom:• the day the

responsible authority received theapplication;or

• if more informationwasrequired,from when the informationwasprovided

taking account of the periods that the timedoesnotrun

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SectionofPEA

Typeofapplicationforreview

Whocanmaketheapplicationforreview

Timelimitformakingtheapplicationforreview

Timelimitprescribedin

• for any other permit application

After60daysfrom:• the day the

responsible authority received theapplication;or

• if more informationwasrequired,from when the informationwasprovided

taking account of the periods that the timedoesnotrun

s. 80 Condition(s)inapermit Applicant for permit Within60daysafterthe responsible authority gave noticeofdecisiontogrant a permit under s.64oftheAct,or,ifnonoticewasgiven,within60daysafterthe date the permit issued

PER r. 32

s.81(a) Refusaltoextendtimetocommence development or use or to complete development

Anapplicationforreviewcannot be made under s 81(a)iftherequestfortheextension to the responsible authority was not made withinthetimespecifiedins69(1)

Anaffectedperson Within 60 days of the decision

PERr.33(1)(a)

s.81(aa) Refusaltoextendtimefora subdivision plan to be certifiedincircumstancesmentionedins.6A(2)oftheAct

Anapplicationforreviewcannot be made under s 81(aa)iftherequestfortheextension to the responsible authority was not made withinthetimespecifiedins69(1)

Anaffectedperson Within 60 days of the decision

PERr.33(1)(a)

s.81(b) Failuretoextendtimewithinonemonthofrequesttoextendtime

Anaffectedperson Afteronemonthfrom making the request,andwithin60 days from that time

PERr.33(1)(b)

s.81(2) Refusaltoextendtimewithinwhichinformationmust be given by the applicant

Applicant for permit Beforethefinallapse date for the permitapplication

PERr.33(2)

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SectionofPEA

Typeofapplicationforreview

Whocanmaketheapplicationforreview

Timelimitformakingtheapplicationforreview

Timelimitprescribedin

s. 82 Decision to grant a permit Anobjectorwholodgedanobjectioninwritingtothegrantofapermit,unlesstheapplicationisexemptfromtherighttoreviewunders.82(1)ofthe Act

Within 21 days ofthenoticeofdecision to grant a permit

PER r. 34

s.82AAA(a) Decision to grant a permit A recommending referral authoritywhoobjectedtothegrant of a permit

Within 21 days ofthenoticeofdecision to grant a permit

PER r. 34A

s.82AAA(b) Decision not to include a conditiononapermit

A recommending referral authority who recommended thattheconditionbeincludedon a permit

Within 21 days ofthenoticeofdecision to grant a permit

PER r. 34A

s.82B RequesttoVCATforleavetomakeanapplicationforreview of a decision to grant apermitforanapplicationinwhichawrittenobjectionwas received

Apersonaffectedbythedecisionbutwhodidnotobjecttothegrantofapermit,unlesstheapplicationisexemptfromthe right to review under s. 82(1)oftheAct

Does not apply if a permit has been issued

PEAs.82B(6)

ss.87(3),88,89(1)

ApplicationtoVCATtocancelor amend a permit

Theresponsibleauthority;areferralauthority;theowneroroccupieroftheland;anypersonwhoisentitledtouseordevelopthelandconcerned;oranyperson under s. 89 of the Act (personswhoobjectedorwouldhavebeenentitledtoobjectifthey should have been given noticeoftheapplication,ortheyhavebeenadverselyaffectedby a material misstatement or concealment of fact in relationtotheapplication,orasubstantialfailuretocomplywiththeconditionsofthepermit or any material mistake inrelationtothegrantofapermit)

Noprescribedtime,butVCATmustbesatisfiedthattherequestwasmade as soon as practicableandthatthe limits on the power to cancel or amend a permit in s. 88 of the Act are satisfied

N/A

s.97P(1)(a) Refusaltoissueacertificateof compliance

Theapplicantforacertificateofcompliance

Within 60 days of the decision

PER r. 46

s.97P(1)(b) Failuretoissueacertificateof compliance within the prescribedtime

Theapplicantforacertificateofcompliance

After30daysfromthe date of the applicationforacertificate

PER r. 47

s. 97Q RequesttoVCATtocanceloramendacertificateofcompliance

A person who believes they havebeenadverselyaffectedby a material misstatement or concealment of fact or a material mistake

Notimeprescribed N/A

s. 114 ApplicationtoVCATtomakean enforcement order

The responsible authority or any person

Notimeprescribed N/A

s. 120 ApplicationtoVCATtomakean interim enforcement order

The responsible authority or any person who has applied for an enforcement order under s. 114 of the Act

Notimeprescribed N/A

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SectionofPEA

Typeofapplicationforreview

Whocanmaketheapplicationforreview

Timelimitformakingtheapplicationforreview

Timelimitprescribedin

ss.149(1)(a),149(1)(b),149(1)(c)

Review of a decision in relationtoamatterif:• (1)(a)aplanningscheme;• (1)(a)apermitcondition;• (1)(b)anagreementunders.173;or

• (1)(c)anenforcementorder;

requiresthatthematter:• must be done to the satisfactionofthespecifiedbody/person[(a),(b),(c)];

• must not be done without the consent or approval of thespecifiedbody[(a)and(b)];or

• makes no provision forsettlingdisputesinrelationtothematter(b)

Aspecifiedperson(asprescribed under s. 148 of theAct)–theowner,userordeveloper of the land directly affected;aspecifiedbodyortheoccupier of Crown land

Within 30 days of the decision

PER r. 53

s.149(1)(d) Review of a decision if the specifiedbodyfailstomakethedecisioninrelationto149(1)(a),(b)or(c),withinareasonabletime(ifthereisnoprescribedtimeforthedecision)

Aspecifiedperson(asprescribed under s. 148 of theAct)–theowner,userordeveloper of the land directly affected;aspecifiedbodyortheoccupier of Crown land

Notimeprescribed N/A

s. 149A Applicationforadetermination/declarationifamatterrelatesto:• theinterpretationofthe

planning scheme or a permitinrelationtolandoraparticularuseordevelopment of land

• whetherornots.6(3)of the Act applies to aparticularuseordevelopment

• thecontinuationofalawfuluse,orpermittingthe use of buildings or works for a lawful purpose before the coming into operationoftheplanningscheme or amendment

Aspecifiedperson(asprescribed under s. 148 of theAct)–theowner,userordeveloper of the land directly affected;aspecifiedbodyortheoccupier of Crown land

Notimeprescribed N/A

s.149B ApplicationforadeclarationconcerninganymatterwhichmaybethesubjectofanapplicationtoVCATundertheAct;oranythingdoneby a responsible authority under the Act

Any person Notimeprescribed N/A

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SectionofPEA

Typeofapplicationforreview

Whocanmaketheapplicationforreview

Timelimitformakingtheapplicationforreview

Timelimitprescribedin

s.184(1) Applicationforanamendment to a proposed agreement under s. 173 of the Act if the use or development of the land isconditionalupontheagreement being entered intoandtheownerobjectsto any provision of the agreement

The owner of the land Within 60 days of being given a copy of the proposed agreement

PERr.56(1)

s.184A(1)(a)and(b)

Reviewofadecisionto:• amend the agreement in adifferentmannertotheproposal

• end the agreement in a differentmannertotheproposal

The person who applied to amend or end the agreement

Within21daysafterthe responsible authority gave noticeofitsdecision

PERr.56A(1)

s.184B Review of a decision to amend or end an agreement

Apartytotheagreement(otherthan the person who applied to amendorendtheagreement)

• If the party must begivennoticeofthe responsible authority’sdecision to amend or end the agreement unders178E(30)(a)or(b),within21daysafterthe responsible authority gave notice

• Ifnonoticemustbegiven,noprescribedtime

PERr.56B

s. 184C Review of a decision to amend or end an agreement

Anobjector Within21daysafterthe responsible authority gave noticeofitsdecision

PER r. 56C

s. 184D Review of a decision to amend or end an agreement

Anypersonentitledtoobjecttoaproposalbutdidnotobjectbecause the person was not givennoticeoftheproposalunder s 178C

Noprescribedtime N/A

• PEA–Planning and Environment Act 1987• PER–PlanningandEnvironmentRegulations2015

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5.1.4 Establishingthescopeofanapplicationforreview

MostapplicationsforreviewtoVCATinvolvedecisionsmadebytheresponsibleauthority to grant or refuse to grant a permit under a planning scheme. Planning permits relate to the use and development of land. In some circumstances a permit will berequiredtochangetheuseofland.Inothercircumstances,achangeoflandusewillnotrequireapermit,butapermitmayberequiredtoconstructabuildingortocarryout works.

Inthecaseofapplicationsforreviewconcerningtheuseanddevelopmentofland,itisrecommendedthatthepartiesidentifywhy and for what purpose a planning permit isrequiredwithdirectreferencetotherelevantpartsoftheplanningscheme.Thereasonwhyapermitisrequiredforaparticularproposalwillestablishthescopeoftherelevantplanningconsiderationsatthehearing.TherelevantplanningconsiderationsincludetheStatePlanningPolicyFrameworkandLocalPlanningPolicyFramework,thepurposeofthezoneand/oroverlayandanydecisionguidelinescontainedintheplanning scheme.

VCAThasestablishedaspecificprocedureforapplicationsforreviewthatrelatetoVicSmartpermitapplications.MoreinformationaboutthisprocedureisprovidedinSection5.3.10ofthischapter.

5.1.5 Exemptionfromobjectors’reviewrightsforspecifiedtypesofpermitapplications

Someprovisionsintheplanningschemeexemptparticulartypesofpermitapplicationsfromreviewbyobjectorsundersection82(1)oftheAct.ThissectionenablesanobjectortoapplytoVCATforthereviewofadecisionbytheresponsibleauthoritytograntapermit.Ifanapplicationisexemptfromsection82,anobjectordoesnothavea right of review of the decision made by the responsible authority.

Forexample,thisexemptionappliesintheGeneralResidentialZoneforpermitapplicationswhichseektosubdividelandintolotseachcontaininganexistingdwellingorcarparkingspace.ItalsoappliestoVicSmartpermitapplications.

Anobjectortothegrantofapermitshouldconfirmwiththeresponsibleauthoritythattheplanningschemedoesnotexempttheapplicationfromthereviewrightsofsection82(1)oftheAct.

InsomeinstancescouncilsgivenoticeofanapplicationthatisnotrequiredbytheAct,resultinginanobjectionbeinglodged.Suchobjectionsmaynotleadtorightstoseekareview of a decision.

Whileplanningschemesonlyexpresslyspecifythereviewrightsofsection82(1)whenexemptingaclassofapplicationfromnoticeandreview,objectorswhoreceivedsuchanoticearealsoexcludedfromparticipationinotherreviewtypes.Theseotherreviewtypesincludeappealsagainstrefusal,failureandconditions.Thereasonsforthisareset out by the Tribunal in West Valentine Pty Ltd v Stonnington City Council [2005]VCAT224(9February2005).

PEA s. 82

PEA ss.83A, 83(2)

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5.2 Makinganapplicationforreview

5.2.1 Whatmustthepersonmakingtheapplicationforreviewdo?

LodgetheapplicationforreviewwithintheprescribedtimeAnapplicationforreviewmustbemadetoVCATwithintheprescribedtime.Theprescribedtimevariesfordifferenttypesofapplicationsforreview.Table5.1providesinformationabouttheprescribedtimeformakingapplicationsforreview.ThetimelimitsformakinganapplicationforreviewareprescribedbytheActandtheRegulations.

Anapplicationforreviewbyanobjectortothegrantofapermitmustbemadenolaterthan21daysaftertheresponsibleauthoritygavenoticetotheobjectorofitsdecisiontograntapermit.Thetimerunsfromwhennoticewasgiven,notfromwhenitwasreceived.

Wherethepermithasbeenrefusedortheapplicantwishestohavetheconditionsreviewed,anapplicationforreviewmustbemadenolaterthan60daysaftertheresponsibleauthoritygavenoticeofitsdecision.

ArequesttoVCATtoextendthetimeformakinganapplicationforreviewisunlikelytobesuccessfulunlessunusualcircumstancesapply,orallpartiesconsenttotheapplicationbeingmadeoutoftime.

RequirementsforanapplicationforreviewSpecificapplicationforreviewformsareavailablefromVCATandmustbecompletedby the applicant for review. The relevant form for the type of review being applied for must be used.

Forthemostcommontypesofcases,theapplicantisrequiredtoprovidea‘statementofgrounds’aspartoftheapplicationforreview.ThestatementofgroundsisashortsummaryofthegroundsthattheapplicantforreviewwishestopresenttoVCATatthehearing.Itisimportantbecauseitexplainstotheotherpartiesthereasonsforthereviewandtheapplicantforreview’sposition.

Afeemustbepaidwhentheapplicationislodged.Informationaboutfeesandthewaivingoffeescanbefoundontherelevantapplicationforreviewform.TheformscanbeobtainedonVCAT’swebsitewww.vcat.vic.gov.au

Insummary,anapplicationforreviewmust:

• be made in accordance with the prescribed form

• identifythenatureoftheapplicationforreviewandtheapplicablesectionoftheAct

• providedetailsofthelandandthepermitapplicationorpermit

• state the grounds upon which the review is based

• be accompanied by the prescribed fee

• belodgedwithintheprescribedtime.

Thecompletedapplicationforreviewform–includingthestatementofgroundsandtherequiredfee–mustbesenttoorlodgedwiththePrincipalRegistrar,VCATPlanningandEnvironmentListat55KingStreet,Melbournewithintheprescribedtime.

VCATA s. 68

VCATA Sch. 1 Cl. 56

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NoticetootherpartiesbytheapplicantforreviewAfteranapplicationforreviewismade,VCATinstructstheapplicantforreviewtoserveacopyoftheapplicationonallotherparties.Theseinstructionsmustbecompliedwithortheapplicationmaybestruckout.

StatementofgroundsbyotherpartiesApersonwishingtocontestanapplicationforreview,mustlodgeastatementofgroundswithbothVCATandtheapplicantforreviewwithin14daysofreceivingacopyoftheapplicationforreview.UnlessVCATandtheapplicantforreviewreceiveastatementofgroundsfromanobjectorwithin14daysfromthedateofthenotice,theobjectorwillnotberecognisedasapartytoanapplicationforreviewandmaynotreceiveanyfurthercorrespondencefromVCATabouttheapplication.

Ifapersonfailstoprovideastatementofgroundswithin14days,theTribunalcannotallow them to be heard as a party to the review unless it has considered the views of theapplicantforreviewandtheresponsibleauthority.Requeststobeheardinthesecircumstances are usually made and decided on at the commencement of the hearing oratanearlierdirectionshearing.(Refertochapter5.5.1formoreinformationaboutdirectionshearings.)

All persons should establish their right to be heard as a party to the proceeding before VCATbycirculatingastatementofgroundstotheotherpartieswithin14daysofreceivingnoticeasdirectedbyVCAT.

Atthehearing,theargumentspresentedbyapartyarenotnecessarilyrestrictedtothoseincludedinthecirculatedstatementofgrounds.However,ifadditionalgroundsareintroducedduringthehearing,VCATwillensurethattheotherpartieshaveareasonableopportunitytoconsiderandreplytothem.Thismayincludeadjourningthehearing and the possibility of costs being incurred.

AdministrativearrangementsVCATacknowledgesreceiptofanapplicationforreviewbywritingtotheapplicantforreview.Itprovidesfurtherinstructionstotheapplicantforreviewtoensurethatallotherpartiesaregivenadequatenoticeoftheapplicationandtheapplicant’sstatement of grounds.

TheapplicantforreviewandtheotherpartiesarerequiredtofollowVCAT’swritteninstructionsinrelationtonoticetootherparties,procedures,circulationofstatementofgroundsandanyothermatter.Failuretodosocanresultintheapplicationforreview being dismissed without a hearing.

VCATmaydirecttheconsolidationofapplicationsforreviewintooneproceeding(inthecaseofmultipleapplicationsforreviewbyobjectors)oracombinedhearing.Itiscommonpracticeforapplicationsforreviewrelatingtothesamelandtobeheardtogether.Forexample,areviewoftheconditionsinapermitandareviewofthedecisiontograntapermitconcerningthesamepermitapplicationwillusuallybecombined and heard together.

TheRegistrarofVCATkeepsaregisterofallapplicationsforreview.Thesecanbeinspectedduringofficehours.

VCATA s. 84A

VCATA s. 82

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5.2.2 Whoarethepartiestoanapplicationforreview?

ApplicantforreviewThepersonwhomakestheapplicationforreviewisapartytotheapplicationandisknownastheapplicantforreview.Table5.1identifiestheperson(permitapplicant,objectortothegrantofapermit,orotherparty)whocanmakeanapplicationforreview.

ObjectorAnobjectorisapartytoaproceedingforreviewiftheobjectorisgivennoticeoftheapplicationforreviewandlodgeswithVCATastatementofgroundsonwhichtheyintend to rely at the hearing.

ResponsibleauthorityTheresponsibleauthorityisautomaticallyapartytomostapplicationsforreview.

ReferralauthorityA determining referral authority is a party to a proceeding for refusal to grant a permit ifithadobjectedtothegrantofapermitorthepermitapplicationwasrefusedbecauseaconditionrequiredbythereferralauthorityconflictedwithaconditionrequiredbyanotherreferralauthority.Atthehearing,thereferralauthority’srepresentativeisrequiredtoexplainthereasonswhythereferralauthoritytooktheactionitdidinrelationtotheapplicationforapermit.

A recommending referral authority is a party to a proceeding for review if the authority isgivennoticeoftheapplicationforreview.Atthehearing,thereferralauthority’srepresentativeisrequiredtoexplainthereasonswhythereferralauthoritytooktheactionitdidinrelationtotheapplicationforapermit.

AffectedpersonsVCATmayorderthatapersonbejoinedasapartytoaproceedingifitconsidersthattheperson’sinterestsareaffectedbyaproceeding,orthatthepersonoughttobeboundbyorhavethebenefitofanorderoftheTribunal.AnyotherpersonwhoseinterestsmaybeaffectedbyanapplicationforreviewcanapplytoVCATtobemadeaparty.

Anunincorporatedassociationcannotbeapartytoaproceeding.However,itisusualpracticetoallowamemberofsuchanassociationtomakeasubmissionatthehearing,orbejoinedasapartyintheirownright.

5.2.3 Arrangementsforthehearing

ResponsibleauthoritytosupplyinformationVCAT Practice Note – PNPE2 Information from Decision Makers setsouttheinformationto be provided by a responsible authority or other decision making body on receiving noticethatanapplicationforreviewhasbeenmade.

TheresponsibleauthoritymustprovideVCAT’sRegistrarwiththedocumentsandinformationinwritingsetoutinPracticeNote–PNPE2within10businessdaysofreceivingnoticeofanapplicationforreview.Therequiredinformationdependsonthetypeofapplicationforreview.Theinformationrequiredmayinclude:

• afullcopyoftheapplicationforpermit,includingplansandaccompanyingdocuments

• acopyoftheresponsibleauthority’sdecision

VCATA s. 59(1)(b)(i)

PEA s. 83(2)

VCATA s. 59(1)(b)(ii)

PEA s. 83(1)

PEA s. 83(3)

VCATA ss. 59, 60

VCATA s. 61

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• thenameoftheplanningscheme,zone,andanyoverlayorothercontrolapplyingtothesubjectland

• theplanningschemeprovisionunderwhichapermitwasrequired

• detailsofpublicnoticerequiredtobegiven

• theofficer’sreportontheapplicationforpermit

• namesandaddressesofallobjectorsandotherpartiestotheapplicationforpermit.

Inapplicationsforreviewofadecisiontorefusetograntapermit,orafailuretodecidetograntapermit,VCATrequirestheresponsibleauthoritytoprovidedraftpermitconditionsinadvanceofthehearing.ThisdoesnotmeantheTribunalhasdecidedtograntthepermit.However,itgivestheresponsibleauthorityandotherpartiesanopportunitytocommentonthedraftconditionsduringthehearing.

VCATalsorequirestheresponsibleauthoritytoprovidearealisticestimateofthetimerequiredforthehearingandtoindicatewhetherornottheapplicationforreviewraisesaquestionoflaw.

SettingthehearingdateTheRegistrarsetsthedateofthehearing.Anyrequesttochangethedateofahearingmust be made following the procedures in VCAT Practice Note PNVCAT1 – Common Procedures.

VCATadvisesallpartieswhenandwheretheapplicationforreviewistobeheard.

MosthearingsareheldatVCAT,55KingStreet,Melbourne.Hearingsmaybeheldinregionalcentreswhichmustbespecificallyarrangedanddependonasuitablevenuebeing available.

GivingnoticeofanapplicationforreviewNoticetotheownersandoccupiersofadjoininglandhasusuallybeengivenforapplicationsforpermitwhicharesubjecttoanapplicationforreview.

Ifnoticeofanapplicationforpermitwasnotgiven,orthenoticewasnotadequate,thePresidentofVCATcandirectnoticeoftheapplicationforreviewisgiven.Iftheapplicantforreviewfailstocomplywiththedirectionfornotice,theapplicationforreview lapses.

Apersonwhoobjectstothegrantofapermit(asaresultofreceivingnoticeatthedirectionofVCAT)isapartytotheproceeding,providedastatementofgroundsislodged with the Tribunal.

5.2.4 Cananapplicationforreviewbewithdrawn?

TheapplicantforreviewcanwithdrawtheapplicationforreviewonlywiththeformalagreementofVCAT.Awithdrawalcanresultinanorderforcostsbeingmadeagainsttheapplicantforreviewiftheotherpartieshavespenttimeandmoneypreparingforthehearingandshortnoticeoftherequestforwithdrawalisgiven.AwrittenrequesttowithdrawanapplicationforreviewmustbemadetotheRegistrarattheearliestopportunity.

VCATA s. 99

PEA s. 52

PEA s. 83B

PEA s. 83(2)

VCATA s. 74

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WhereleaveisgrantedbytheTribunalforthewithdrawalofanapplication,theusualcourseisfortheTribunaltoalsomakethefollowingordersforthedifferentreviewtypes:

• Section77–Refusaltograntapermit:thatnopermitbeissued,ifpartieshaveagreed that no permit is to issue.

• Section79–Failuretograntapermit:thatnopermitbeissued,iftheapplicanthasagreednottopursuethepermitapplication.

• Section80–Conditionsonapermit:thatthecontestedconditionsremainunchangedfromtheconditionincludedonapermitornoticeofdecision,ifpartieshave reached agreement on that basis.

• Section82–Objectorreview:thatapermitbeissuedinaccordancewiththenoticeofdecisionissuedbythecouncil,ifallpartieshaveagreedthatapermitistoissuebasedonthesameplansandwiththesameconditionsspecifiedinthenoticeofdecision.

Ifagreementhasbeenreachedwiththecouncilandotherpartiestovarytheplansorconditions,thenaconsentordershouldbesoughtfromtheTribunal.

ProceduresforwithdrawinganapplicationorseekingaconsentorderaresetoutinVCAT Practice Note PNVCAT1 – Common Procedures.

Canthehearingdatebeadjourned?Ifapartywishestoseekanadjournment,awrittenrequestforanadjournmentmustbemadetotheRegistrargivingdetailedreasonsfortherequest.VCAT Practice Note PNVCAT1 – Common Procedures sets out the procedure for any party to apply for an adjournment.InthePlanningandEnvironmentList,theconsentofotherpartieswillusuallyberequiredforanadjournment.TheTribunalmayrefuseanadjournment,evenifallpartiesconsent,andthepartiesmustworkonthebasisthatthehearingisproceedingunlessoruntiltheyarenotifiedthattheTribunalhasgrantedtheadjournment.

Anyrequestforanadjournmentshouldbemadewellbeforethehearingdateto avoid successful claims for costs.

Canamendedplansbeconsideredatthehearing?TheTribunalcanmakeanyamendmenttotheapplicationforpermit.ThepermitapplicantmayrequestVCATtoagreetoamendthepermitapplication.

Theusualtypesofrequestincludechangingthenameofthepermitapplicant,thedescriptionofthelandorthenatureoftheproposal.Mostoften,theTribunalisaskedtoagreetoarequesttosubstituterevisedplansfortheoriginalplanssubmittedwiththepermitapplication.ApplicationplanscannotbesubstitutedwithouttheTribunal’sformal agreement.

Asaguidingprinciple,amendmentsshouldnotbeusedtomateriallyincreasethescaleorintensityofaproposalortointroducesignificantnewaspectsthathavenotbeen considered by the responsible authority or primary decision maker based on the originalapplication.

VCATmustalsobesatisfiedthatallpartieshavehadareasonableopportunitytoconsiderthechangesandhowtheymightbeaffected.

VCATA sch. 1 pt 16 cl 64

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VCAT Practice Note – PNPE9 Amendment of Plans and Applications sets out the steps that must be followed if a permit applicant seeks to amend plans in a permit applicationoranapplicationtoamendapermit.Atleast30businessdaysbeforethehearingdate,apermitapplicantmustfilewiththeTribunalandgiveallpartiestotheproceeding,thefollowingdocuments:

• a completed PNPE9 Form A: Notice of Amendment of an Application

• awrittenstatementdescribingthechangesfromthepreviousplansorotherchangesmadetotheapplicationand:

x settingoutwhythechangesareappliedfor

x demonstratinghowthechangeswillimprovetheproposalorrespondtoissuesthathavebeenraisedinthecourseofthedecision-makingprocess

• aclearlyreadable,scaledcopy(withdimensions)oftheamendedplans,highlightingwherechangeshavebeenmade

• detailsofanyotheramendmenttotheapplicationandsupportingmaterial.

Thepermitapplicantmustalsogiveanyobjectortoorpersonnotifiedofthepermitapplicationwhoisnotapartytothehearingcopiesofthefollowingdocuments:

• a completed PNPE9 Form A: Notice of Amendment of an Application

• awrittenstatementdescribingthechangesfromthepreviousplansorotherchangesmadetotheapplicationand:

x settingoutwhythechangesareappliedfor

x demonstratinghowthechangeswillimprovetheproposalorrespondtoissuesthathavebeenraisedinthecourseofthedecision-makingprocess

• a PNPE9 Form B: Statement of Grounds.

ThecompletedNoticeofAmendmentofanApplicationmustincludeadatebywhichastatementofgroundsmustbelodgedwithVCAT.Thatdatemustbeatleast17businessdaysfromthedaythenoticeisposted.

Thepermitapplicantmustalsogivenoticetopersonsofhowtoaccesscopiesofamendedplans.Documentscaneitherbeinspectedatthemainofficeoftheresponsibleauthorityorarequestcanbemadetothepermitapplicantforcopies.

Apersonthatreceivesnoticeofanamendedapplicationmay:

• ifalreadyapartytothehearing,amendtheirStatementofGroundsatanytimebeforethehearing;or

• ifnotapartytothehearing,lodgewithVCAT:

x awrittenapplicationtobejoinedasapartytothehearing

x complete a PNPE9 Form B: Statement of Grounds

x awrittenobjectionsettingoutthereasonsfortheobjection;or

• lodgeawrittenrequestforanadjournmentofthehearinginordertohavesufficienttimetoconsiderthechangestotheplans;or

• lodgeawrittenapplicationfordirectionsinrelationtotheamendmentapplicationincludingdirectionsthatfurthernoticeofthepermitapplicationbegiven.

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A copy of these documents must be delivered or posted to the permit applicant and the responsible authority.

VCATmayadjournthehearingsothattheamendedplansmaybeconsideredatthebeginningofthefullhearingoritmayholdadirectionshearingbeforethefullhearingtodiscussthematter.

PartiesshouldnotassumethattheTribunalwillautomaticallyagreetoamendtheapplicationforpermit,evenifallpartiessupporttherequest.Thismeansthatpartieswill have to be prepared to discuss both sets of plans at the hearing.

VCATwillalsoconsiderwhethernoticeoftherevisedplansshouldbegiventootherpersonsinadditiontothepartiestotheapplicationforreview.NoticewillbegiveniftheTribunalconsidersthattherevisedproposalhasdifferentimpactscomparedtotheoriginal,orifitaffectsdifferentownersandoccupiers.

5.3 Whathappensatthehearing?

5.3.1 Whohearsanapplicationforreview?

MembersofthePlanningandEnvironmentListofVCATareappointedbythePresidenttohearanddecideanapplicationforreview.MembersofthePlanningandEnvironmentListarequalifiedlegalpractitioners,plannersorotherprofessionalswithrelevantexpertise.Mostapplicationsareheardbyeitherasinglememberortwomemberssittingtogether.

5.3.2 Attendancebytheparties

Mostpartiesattendthehearingtopresenttheirsubmissioninpersonorthrougharepresentative.AttendanceisaneffectivewayofconvincingVCATtosupportthearguments and provides the opportunity to respond to the material put by other partiesatthehearing,andtoquestionexpertwitnesses.Theapplicantforreviewandtheresponsibleauthority’srepresentativearerequiredtoattendthehearing.

Objectorsdonothavetoattendthehearing.AnobjectorcaninformVCATinwritingthattheyarenotattendingthehearingandrequestthattheirwrittensubmissionbetakenintoaccountindecidingtheapplication.However,itisrecommendedthatobjectorsattendthehearingtopresenttheircaseandtoparticipateinthehearing.

Apartymayattendinpersonandpresentitsowncase,orberepresentedbyanotherperson.

Iftheapplicantforreviewfailstoattendahearing(personallyorbyrepresentative)VCATmustconfirmthedecisionoftheresponsibleauthority.Costsmaybeawardedagainst the applicant.

IfanotherpartyfailstoattendthehearingandVCATissatisfiedthatadequatenoticeofthehearingwasgiven,themattercanstillbeheardanddeterminedintheabsenceofthe party.

Aproceedingcanbereopenedwithinspecifiedtimelimitsfollowingtherequestofapersonaffectedbyanorderwhoneitherappearedorwasrepresentedatthehearingduetocircumstancesbeyondtheircontrol.However,itisunusualforsucharequesttobegranted.Stronggroundswouldberequiredforsucharequesttosucceed.

VCATA s. 64, sch. 1 pt 16 cl.52

VCATA s. 62; PNVCAT1, PNPE1

VCATA ss. 51(5), 99(2)

VCATA s. 120

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5.3.3 Procedureathearings

HearingsareopentothepublicandconductedbyVCATinastructuredmannertoensureallpartiesaregivenareasonableopportunitytobeheard.VCATisnotboundbytherulesofevidenceoranyoftheformalcourtpractices.However,itmustactfairlyandisboundbytherulesofnaturaljustice.Thismeansthatallpartiesmustbegiventhe opportunity to be heard.

HearingnoticesarepublishedontheVCATwebsitetheeveningbeforethehearingdayandcanbeinspectedonthedayofthehearinginthegroundfloorfoyerofVCATat55KingStreetMelbourne.ThehearingnoticesarealsopublishedinthedailyLawListinTheAge.Thesenoticescontainadviceaboutthecommencementtimeforthehearing,thehearingroomanditslocation,andtheTribunalMembersappointedtoconductthehearing. The party should proceed to the hearing room and take a seat at the table and fillintheappearancesheet.Thissheetistherecordofthepartieswhoattendedthehearing.

WhentheTribunalMembersenterthehearingroom,itisusualtostanduntilinvitedtobeseated.ThepresidingmemberisaddressedasMrChairmanorMadamChair,andtheotherpartiesandTribunalMembersareaddressedasMrorMswiththeirsurname.

WhiletheatmosphereatahearingbeforetheTribunalisrelativelyinformalcomparedtoacourthearing,thereisastructuredorderofproceedingsandcourteousbehaviouris expected.

VCAT Practice Note PNPE1 – General Procedures sets out the usual order of presentationofsubmissionstoVCAT.Theusualprocedureisforthepartiesortheirrepresentativestospeakinthefollowingorder:

• the responsible authority

• the council if it is not the responsible authority

• thereferralauthorityorrelevantstatutoryauthorities

• theobjector(s)

• any other person or body who is not a party

• the permit applicant

• arightofreplytopartiesotherthanthepermitapplicant.

Thisorderofpresentationisusuallyfollowed,butitcanbechangedatVCAT’sdirection.

Apartymaycallanexpertwitnesstogiveevidence.Witnessesareavailableforcross-examinationbyotherparties,intheorderofappearance.Moreinformationaboutgivingevidenceandcross-examinationofwitnessesisprovidedlaterinthischapter.

Partiesmakingsubmissions,suchastheobjectorsandtheresponsibleauthority,arenotsubjecttocross-examinationorquestionsbyotherparties.However,VCATmayallowquestionsforclarificationbyotherpartiesandcanaskquestionsofpartiesduringoraftertheirpresentation.

VCATA ss. 97, 98

VCATA s. 102

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Each party may have a reasonable opportunity to respond to the case put by the other partiesbywayofrightofreply.Arightofreplyisnottobeusedasanopportunitytosimplyrepeatsubmissionswhichapartyhasalreadymade;ratheritshouldbeconfinedtomattersarisingfromthesubmissionsoftheotherparty(s),whichhavenotalready been addressed by the replying party.

VCATcaninspectthesiteandsurroundsbeforedecidingtheapplicationforreview.

5.3.4 Submissions

TheVCATwebsitecontainsinformationandguidelinestohelppartiesmakeaneffectivesubmission to the Tribunal. The guidelines contain advice about the structure and contentofsubmissions,aswellasthegeneralproceduresfollowedatahearing.

VCATwillonlyconsiderissuesrelevanttothedecisionbeingreviewed.Therefore,asubmissionshoulddirectlyaddressthedecisionorplanningmatterthatisthesubjectofthereview.Forexample,buildingheightisnotrelevantiftheapplicationforreviewconcernsthedecisiontograntapermittoreduceacarparkingrequirement.

AsubmissiontoVCATmustsetouttheargumentsreliedonbythepartyinsupportofits case and the reasons it takes the view that it does.

Writtensubmissionsbytheresponsibleauthoritymustsupportitsoriginaldecisionandestablishthecontextoftheapplicationforreview.Relevantinformationincludes:

• adescriptionofthesubjectsite

• adescriptionoftheproposeduseand/ordevelopment

• thehistory/backgroundoftheapplication

• therelevantplanningpoliciesandprovisionsastheyaffectthesubjectsiteandsurrounds

• summaryofobjections

• thematterstakenintoaccountbytheresponsibleauthorityinreachingitsdecisionand the reasons for the decision.

Submissionsmaybepresentedorallyorinwriting,orboth.Mostpartiesprepareawrittensubmissioninadvanceofthehearing.Writtensubmissionsarenotcompulsory,buttheyarethemostcommonandthepreferredformofpresentationtotheTribunal.

ApartyshouldprovidesufficientcopiesofthewrittensubmissionandanyotherdocumentsfortheTribunalMember(s)andallotherpartiesatthehearing.Atleastsixcopiesareusuallyrequired.Iftherearealargenumberofpartiesinvolved,additionalcopieswillberequired.AttheTribunal’sinvitationsubmissionsaredistributedatthehearingtotheotherpartiesafewminutesbeforethepresentationsbegin.

Submissions may include visual material such as locality plans. Photographs of the site andsurroundingareacanbeaneffectivewayofdemonstratingtherelevantpoints.Photographsshouldbeaccompaniedbyinformationaboutwhereandwhentheyweretaken.

Projectionfacilitiesareavailableinsomehearingrooms.Ifapartywishestousethesefacilities,arequestshouldbemadetotheTribunalregistryaheadofthescheduledhearing.

VCATA s. 129

VCATA s. 102

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5.3.5 Expertevidence

VCATwilltakeintoaccountmaterialpresentedtoitatthehearing,includingtheevidencepresentedbywitnesses.Alaypersonmaygiveevidence,however,itismorelikely to be given by an expert witness.

Expertevidenceisnotrequiredtodecidemostapplicationsforreview.However,expertevidenceinrelationtoakeyissuemaybeofassistancetoVCATinsomecases.Forexample,wheretrafficandparkingimpactsaredisputed,expertevidencefromatrafficengineermayassisttheTribunalindecidingthemeritsoftheapplication.ExpertevidencefromaconservationarchitectmayassisttheTribunalindecidingthemeritsofanapplicationtodemolishabuildinginaheritagearea.

VCAT Practice Note PNVCAT2 – Expert EvidencesetsouttheobligationsofanexpertwitnessandrequirementsforpresentingexpertevidencetotheTribunal.Thepracticenoteclearlystatesthatanexpertwitness’sdutyistoassisttheTribunalonrelevantmatters.Anexpertwitnessisnotanadvocateforthepartyretainingtheexpert.Theguidelinescontainrequirementsforthecontentandformoftheexpert’sreport.Circulationoftheexpert’swrittenreporttoallpartiesandtheTribunalisrequiredatleast 10 working days before the hearing.

5.3.6 Questioninganexpertwitness

Expertwitnesseswillbemadeavailableforquestioning(cross-examination)bytheotherparties.ThequestioningnormallyfollowsthesameorderasthatusedwhenpresentingsubmissionstoVCAT(seesectionon‘ProcedureatHearings’inthischapter).Questionsmustrelatetotheevidencegivenortoothermattersrelevanttotheapplicationforreviewwithintheexpertiseofthewitness.

Afterthecross-examinationbyotherparties,thepersonwhocalledthewitnessthenhastheopportunityforfurtherquestionstoclarifyanymattersraised.Newareasofquestioningcannotbeintroducedatthisstage.

Questionsincross-examinationmaydrawoutinformationorillustrateaweaknessinthe line of argument put by the witness. It may be helpful to make notes during the initialsubmissionaboutpointstoquery.Apartycanaskquestionsofthewitnessbutcannot use this opportunity to make statements about their views.

5.3.7 Whatfactorsmustbetakenintoaccountindecidinganapplicationforreview?

Beforedecidingonanapplicationtheresponsibleauthoritymustconsiderarangeofmatters,asspecifiedinsection60(1)oftheAct.Section60(1A)oftheActalsolistsmattersthattheresponsibleauthoritymayconsider,ifthecircumstancesappeartosorequire.

Inadditiontosettingoutthemattersthattheresponsibleauthoritymustconsiderinassessinganapplication,theActincludesacompletelistofthemattersthatVCATmusttakeintoaccountindetermininganapplicationforreview.

TheTribunalmustfirstlytakeintoaccountofandhaveregardtothemattersthattheoriginaldecision-maker:

• tookintoaccountandhadregardto;or

• wasrequiredtotakeintoaccountandhaveregardto.

VCATA ss. 97, 98

VCATA s. 102

PEA s. 60(1)

PEA s. 84B

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Notallthematterslistedinsection84BoftheActwillberelevantinallcases;butwheretheyarerelevant,theymustbeconsidered.Thematterslikelytoberelevantinmostcasesinclude:

• the planning scheme

• theobjectivesofplanninginVictoria

• anyrelevantstateenvironmentprotectionpolicy

• theextentofparticipationofpersonsresidingorowninglandinthevicinityofthesubjectlandinapplicationproceduresrequiredtobefollowedbeforetheresponsible authority could make a decision

• any amendment to a planning scheme which has been adopted by the planning authority,butnot,asofthedateonwhichtheapplicationforreviewisdetermined,approved by the Minister or planning authority

• anyagreementmadepursuanttosection173oftheActaffectingthesubjectland.

VicSmartpermitapplicationsareexemptfromsomedecision-makingconsiderationsinsections60and84B(2)oftheAct.TheresponsibleauthorityandTribunalmustnothaveregardtothese‘exempted’considerations.

TheTribunalmayconfineareviewtoparticularmattersindisputeifallthepartiesagree.Ifareviewissoconfined,themattersthatmustbeconsideredundersection84Barealsoconfinedtotheparticularissuesindispute.

5.3.8 Thedecision

TheformthedecisiontakesVCAT’sdecisionor‘order’mustbeinwritingandwillcontainthereasonsforthedecisionorrecordthatoralreasonsweregiven.AllpartiesinvolvedintheapplicationforreviewreceiveacopyofVCAT’sdecision.

AdecisionisnotfinaluntilitisissuedinwritingandauthenticatedbybeingstampedwiththeTribunal’sseal.

Thedecisionmaycontainadirectionfortheresponsibleauthority.Forexample,thedecision might be that the permit is granted and the responsible authority is directed to issue the permit.

VCATisrequiredtogivereasonsforitsdecision.Ifthereasonsaregivenorally,apartymayrequesttheTribunaltogivethereasonsinwriting.Therequestmustbemadewithin 14 days of the order being made.

ActingonadecisionoftheTribunalIfVCATdirectstheresponsibleauthoritytoissueapermit,thepermitmustbeissuedwithinthreebusinessdaysafter:

• receivingacopyoftheorder,iftheresponsibleauthorityisaMinister;or

• thefirstordinarymeetingoftheresponsibleauthorityisheldfollowingreceiptofthe order.

NofurtheractionisrequiredbytheresponsibleauthoritywhenanoticeofdecisiontograntapermithasbeenissuedandVCATdirectsthattheapplicationforreviewbeallowedinfavouroftheobjector(s),(thatis,arefusalnoticeisnotrequiredtobeissued).

Planning schemes cl 91

PEA s. 84AB

VCATA s. 116; PEA s. 85

VCATA s. 117

PEA s. 86

PEA s. 52(1), (4)

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VCAT’sdecisionisfinalandbindingonallpartiestotheapplicationforreview.However,anappealtotheSupremeCourtonaquestionoflawmaybemade.TheoutcomeofanappealtotheSupremeCourtmayuphold,quashorchangeVCAT’sdecision.

5.3.9 Costs

Eachpartytoanapplicationforreviewusuallymeetsitsowncosts.ItisunusualforVCATtoorderthatapartypayaspecifiedpartofthecostsofanotherparty.

However,VCAThasthepowertomakeanorderforcostsifitisfairtodosoincircumstances where a party has acted unreasonably to the disadvantage of other parties.

Indeterminingwhetherornottomakeanorderforcosts,theTribunalmayalsoconsider whether the proceeding was brought primarily to secure or maintain a direct or indirect commercial advantage for the person who brought the proceeding.

IfVCATconsidersthattheproceedingshavebeenbroughtvexatiouslyorfrivolously,or primarily to secure or maintain a direct or indirect commercial advantage for the personwhobroughttheproceedings,andthatanyotherpersonhassufferedlossordamageasaresult,itcanorderthepersonwhobroughttheproceedingstopaycoststothatotherperson.TheamountisassessedbyVCATandmayincludecompensationfor loss or damage and an amount for costs.

Itisrecommendedthatapartyobtainlegaladviceifitisconcernedaboutthepotentialfor costs to be awarded against it.

5.3.10 ReviewsrelatingtoVicSmartpermitapplications

ApplicationsforreviewrelatingtoVicSmartpermitapplicationsareheardanddeterminedintheVCATShortCasesList(seeChapter3.8.16formoreinformationaboutVicSmartapplications).

TheShortCasesListisasub-listofthePlanningandEnvironmentListandhandlesshortandlesscomplexdisputesthatallowpartiestohavetheirmatterheardanddeterminedwithinashorttimeframe.Tribunalmembershearingcasesinthislistareencouragedtoprovideoraldecisionsattheconclusionofthehearing.Siteinspectionsare unlikely to be taken.

TheapplicantforreviewofaVicSmartmattermustcompleteVCAT’sVicSmartapplicationformandsubmitthefollowinginformationwiththeapplication:

• acopyoftheresponsibleauthority’sdecision(unlessthereviewrelatestoafailureoftheresponsibleauthoritytomakeadecisionwithintheprescribedtime)

• allapplicationdocumentsandplans

• ifthelandisaffectedbyaregisteredrestrictivecovenant,acopyofthecovenant

• wheretheapplicationrequiredreferralunderclause66oftheplanningscheme,acopyofanywrittenresponsefromthereferralauthority

• acopyofthecouncilofficer’sreport(ifavailable)

• where the review relates to a failure of the responsible authority to decide within theprescribedtime,acalculationofelapseddaysfromwhenthepermitapplicationwas received by the responsible authority.

TheapplicationformcanbeobtainedfromVCAT’swebsitewww.vcat.vic.gov.au.

VCATA s. 148

VCATA ss. 109, 111 PEA s. 150(4); VCATA sch. 1 pt 16 cl. 63

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FormoreinformationabouttheVCATreviewprocessforVicSmart,itsoperation,andpreparingsubmissions,refertotheinformationsheetVCAT Review Process for VicSmart (June 2014) onthedepartment’swebsite.

5.3.11 MajorCasesList

TheVCATMajorCasesListisasub-listofthePlanningandEnvironmentListandhandlescertainapplicationsforreviewinvolvinglargerdevelopments.

ApermitapplicantorpermitholdermayelecttohaveanapplicationforreviewdealtwithintheMajorCasesListifthefollowingcriteriaaremet:

1. Theapplicationisoneofthefollowingtypes:

x Anapplicationforreviewbyapermitapplicantundersection77or79oftheAct.

x Anapplicationforreviewbyapermitapplicantorpermitholderundersection80 of the Act.

x Anapplicationforreviewbyanobjectorundersection82or82BoftheAct.

x Anapplicationbyapermitholder,owneroroccupierofthesubjectlandundersection87AoftheAct.

2. Thedevelopmentmeetsanyofthefollowingrequirements:

x Thedevelopmentdoesnotincludea‘dwelling’asdefinedintheVictoria Planning Provisions.

x ThedevelopmentiswithintheResidentialGrowthZonewithinthemeaningofthe Victoria Planning Provisions.

x Theestimatedcostofthedevelopmentis$10millionormore.

OtherapplicationsinthePlanningandEnvironmentList(thatis,applicationsotherthanundersections77,79,80,82,82Bor87AoftheAct)arenoteligibleforinclusionintheMajorCasesListeveniftheestimatedcostofdevelopmentmeetstheeligibilitycriteria.However,theTribunalmayfixarelatedapplicationforhearingtogetherwithanapplicationalreadyincludedintheMajorCasesListifsatisfiedthatitisappropriateto do so.

TheapplicantforreviewmustelectatthetimeofcommencementoftheapplicationiftheproceedingistobeincludedintheMajorCasesList,by:

• lodgingtherelevantapplicationforreviewontheMajorCasesListformwiththeTribunal;and

• payingtheprescribedapplicationfee.

TheMajorCasesListapplicationformscanbefoundontheVCATwebsite.Adifferent(higher)applicationfeeapplieswheretheapplicantelectstohavetheproceedingincludedintheMajorCasesList.

IfanapplicantdoesnotchoosetohaveaneligibleproceedingincludedintheMajorCasesList,itwillbeprocessedandheardinaccordancewiththeusualproceduresandtimeframesthatapplyinthePlanningandEnvironmentListforapplicationsofthattype.

VCAT Practice Note PNPE8 – Major Cases List providesinformationabouttheMajorCasesList,itsoperation,eligibilityforinclusionintheList,applicationproceduresandtimelines.

VCAT (Fees) Regs 2013 r. 6 sch. 1

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5.4 Othertypesofapplicationsforreview

5.4.1 Introduction

TheprevioussectionsofthischapteraddressedapplicationstoVCATthatrequiredittoreview an earlier decision made by the responsible authority.

OthertypesofapplicationstoVCATrequireittomakeadecisionoradeclarationinitsownrightasdistinctfromtheremakingofanearlierdecisionbyanotherauthority.ExamplesofthesetypesofapplicationstoVCATinclude:thecancellationoramendmentofaplanningpermit;themakingofanenforcementorder;ordeterminingwhether a permit was lawfully granted.

ThenextsectionofthischapterdescribesthemoreusualapplicationsofthistypemadetoVCAT.

5.4.2 Proceduraldefectsintheplanningschemeamendmentprocess

ApersonwhoisaffectedbyafailureoftheMinister,aplanningauthorityorapaneltocomplywiththeproceduralrequirementsforanamendmenttoaplanningscheme,canreferthemattertoVCAT.Thiscanonlybedonebeforetheamendmenthasbeenapproved and must be within one month of the person becoming aware of the alleged failure.

VCATcanmakeadeclarationandadirectioninrelationtotheproceduraldefect.ThedirectionmaybethattheplanningauthoritymustnotadoptorapprovetheamendmentuntiltheMinister,planningauthorityorapaneltakesactionspecifiedbyVCAT.

VCAT‘sroleinapplicationsofthisnatureistoreviewwhetherornottheproceduressetdowninthelegislationhavebeencorrectlyfollowed.VCATdoesnotreviewthemeritsof the planning scheme amendment. It cannot vary a decision made by a planning authorityortheMinisterinrelationtotheamendment,orsetasideadecisionormakeasubstitutedecision.

5.4.3 Applicationtoreviewnoticeandmoreinformationrequestsbyaresponsibleauthority

GivingnoticeaboutanapplicationforpermitandamendedapplicationsTheapplicantforapermitcanapplytoVCATforareviewofarequirementbytheresponsibleauthoritytogivenoticeofanapplicationundersections52(1)(d)or57BoftheAct.Thesesectionssetouttheconsiderationstobegivenby the responsible authorityregardingnoticeofanapplicationforpermitoranamendedapplication.Theapplicantmayconsiderthattheresponsibleauthority’snoticerequirementsareexcessiveorirrelevantinrelationtotheuseordevelopmentproposedinthepermitapplication.

ThereisnorightofreviewbyVCATinrelationtonoticerequirementsundersection52(1)(a),(b)and(c),whichrelatetogivingnoticetoownersandoccupiersofadjoiningland,toacouncil,ortoanypersontowhomtheplanningschemerequiresnoticebegiven.Theapplicationforreviewcanrelateonlytoarequirementundersection52(1)(d)or57B.

VCATmaydecidetoconfirmorchangetherequirementforthegivingofnoticeinaccordancewithsection52(1)(d)or57B.

PEA s. 39

PEA s. 78(a)

PEA s. 52

PEA s. 85(1)(c)

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RequestformoreinformationTheapplicantforapermitcanapplytoVCATforreviewofarequestformoreinformationmadeundersection54oftheAct.Thisincludesarequirementmadebytheresponsibleauthoritybecauseareferralauthoritymadearequirementundersection55(2).Suchanapplicationforreviewmightbemadeiftheapplicantforpermitconsideredtherequirementtobeunreasonableorunnecessaryinrelationtotheuseor development proposed.

Afterhearingtheapplicationforreviewofarequirementformoreinformationundersection54,VCATcandirecttheresponsibleauthoritytoconsidertheapplicationforpermitasmade,orconfirmorchangetherequirementmadebytheresponsibleauthority.

ExtensionoftimeforgivinginformationVCATcanalsodecideonthetimewithinwhichinformationistobegivenundersection54inthecaseofapplicationsforreviewoftherefusalorfailureoftheresponsibleauthoritytoextendthetimeundersection54A.

5.4.4 Failuretograntapermitwithintheprescribedtime

Theresponsibleauthoritymustconsidereveryapplicationforapermit.Thereisnotimelimitforaresponsibleauthoritytomakeadecisiononanapplication.However,iftheresponsibleauthoritydoesnotmakeadecisionwithintheprescribedtime,thepermitapplicantmaymakeanapplicationforreviewoftheresponsibleauthority’sfailuretodecidetheapplication.

CalculatingtheprescribedtimeThereareimportantrulessetoutintheRegulationsaboutwhentheprescribedtimestarts and when it stops.

Theprescribedtimestartsfromthedatetheresponsibleauthorityreceivestheapplication(oramendedapplication)unlesseitherofthefollowingapply:

• Furtherinformationhasbeensoughtwithintheprescribedtimeundersection54oftheAct.Theprescribedtimestartsfromthedayonwhichtheinformationisgiven.

• TheapplicanthasappliedforareviewofarequirementtogivefurtherinformationandVCAThasconfirmedorchangedtherequirement.Theprescribedtimestartsfromthedayonwhichtheinformationisgiven.

Theprescribedtimeiscalculatedasfollows:

• VicSmartapplications: 10 business days. A business day means a day other than a Saturday,SundayoradayappointedunderthePublic Holidays Act 1993 as a public holidayorpublichalf-holiday.Incalculatingthe10businessdaysforaVicSmartapplication,thefirstbusinessday(thatis,thedaytheapplicationisreceived)isexcluded and the last business day is included.

• Allotherapplications:60days.Weekendsandpublicholidaysareincludedinthe60days.Ifthelastdayfallsonaweekendorapublicholiday,the60daysexpiresonthenextbusinessday.Incalculatingthe60daysforanyotherapplication,thefirstday(thatis,thedaytheapplicationisreceived)isexcludedandthelastdayisincluded.Weekendsandpublicholidaysareincludedinthe60days.However,ifthelastdayfallsonaweekendorpublicholiday,the60daysexpiresonthenextbusiness day.

PEA s. 78(b)

PEA s. 85(1)(d)

PEA s. 85(1)(da)

PEA s. 58, 79

ILA s. 44; PEA s. 3(1); PE Regs r. 32

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Adifferentcalculationoftheprescribedtimemayarisewheretheapplicationhasbeenrequiredtobereferredtoareferralauthority.Ifyouareconsideringanapplicationagainsttheresponsibleauthority’sfailuretodecideanapplicationforpermit,itisessentialtochecktherelevantdatesagainsttheRegulations.

TheVCATwebsitecontainsatableCalculating Elapsed Days in Failure Applications,whichisusefulforcalculatingthenumberofelapseddaysinrelationtoanapplicationforreviewundersection79oftheAct.

DetermininganapplicationafterafailurereviewislodgedTheapplicantforpermitmustadvisetheresponsibleauthorityatthetimethattheapplicationforreviewhasbeenmade.Section84oftheActprovidesthattheresponsibleauthoritycanmakeadecisiononanapplicationforpermit.However,itmustnotissuethepermit,noticeofdecisionornoticeofrefusal.

Iftheresponsibleauthoritydecidestograntapermit,itmustadvisetheRegistrarofVCAT.TheRegistrarmustrefertheresponsibleauthority’sdecisiontoapresidentialmemberofVCATforfurtherconsiderationanddecisionabouttheapplicationforreview.

Thepresidentialmembermaydecidethatapermitcanbeissuedandthatahearingisnotrequiredbecausetherearenopartiesotherthantheapplicantandtheresponsibleauthority involved.

However,mostapplicationsforareviewofthefailureoftheresponsibleauthoritytograntapermitinvolveobjectorsandproceedtoafullhearingunlessresolvedbyconsent.

VCATwillonlybepreparedtoconsiderresolvinganapplicationforreviewofafailuretograntapermitinthecircumstancesdescribedbelow–otherwisetheapplicationforreviewproceedstoahearing:

• TheresponsibleauthoritydecidestograntapermitwithoutconditionsandthePresidenthasnotdirectedthattheapplicationforreviewbeadvertised(becauseadvertisingwasnotconsiderednecessary).

• Theresponsibleauthoritydecidestograntapermitwithoutconditions.Theapplicationforreviewhasbeenadvertisedandnootherpartyhasaskedtobeheard.

• Theresponsibleauthoritydecidestograntapermitsubjecttoconditions.TheapplicationforreviewhasnotbeenadvertisedandtheapplicantforpermitnotifiestheRegistrarthattheproposedconditionsareacceptable.

• Theresponsibleauthoritydecidestograntapermitsubjecttoconditions.Theapplicationforreviewhasbeenadvertised,norequeststobeheardhavebeenmadeandtheapplicantforpermitnotifiestheRegistrarthattheproposedconditionsareacceptable.

• Theresponsibleauthorityhasreceivedobjectionstothegrantofapermit.TheRegistrarhasadvisedtheobjectorsoftheapplicationforreviewandinquiredastowhethertheywishtobeheard.Afteraperiodof14days,norequesttobeheardhas been received.

PEA s. 84

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ReimbursementofVCATapplicationfeeAnapplicanttotheTribunalundersection79oftheActisentitledtohavetheresponsible authority reimburse the whole of any fees paid by the applicant in the reviewproceeding(thisincludesthefeeformakingtheapplicationforreviewanddailyhearingfees).However,thisdoesnotapplyiftheresponsibleauthoritysatisfiestheTribunalthattherewasreasonablejustificationfortheresponsibleauthoritytofailtograntthepermithavingregardto:

• thenatureandcomplexityofthepermitapplication

• theconductoftheapplicantinrelationtothepermitapplication

• anyothermatterbeyondthereasonablecontroloftheresponsibleauthority.

5.4.5 Applicationsrelatingtoextensionsoftime

Anaffectedpersoncanapplyforreviewofthefollowing:

• adecisiontorefusetoextendthetimewithinwhichadevelopmentoruseistobestarted or completed

• thetimeforcertificationofaplanundersections23,24Aor36oftheSubdivision Act 1988

• thefailureoftheresponsibleauthoritytoextendthetimewithinonemonthaftertherequestforextensionwasmade

• adecisiontorefusetoextendthetimefortheprovisionofmoreinformationinrespectofanapplicationforpermit.

However,anapplicationforreviewofadecisiontorefusetoextendthelifeofapermitor a failure of the responsible authority to extend the life of a permit cannot be made if theinitialrequesttotheresponsibleauthorityfortheextensionoftimewasnotmadewithinthetimespecifiedundersection69(1)or(1A)oftheAct.

AnapplicationcannotbemadedirectlytoVCATiftherehasbeennorequestmadefirstto the responsible authority.

TheTribunalcandirectthatthetimemustbeextendedforaspecifiedperiod,ormustnot be extended.

5.4.6 Affectedpersonsmayseekleavetoapplyforareviewofadecisiontograntapermit

Seeking‘leavetoapply’istheformaltermusedbyVCATtodescribearequestforpermissionfromVCATforaspecifiedpurpose.Forexample,theapplicantforpermit must seek and obtain the leave of the Tribunal before amended plans can be substitutedfortheoriginalplans.

TheActallowsanypersontoapplytoVCATforpermissiontomakeanapplicationforreviewofthedecisiontograntapermitundersection64oftheAct,iftheyareaffectedbyanyapplicationinwhichawrittenobjectiontothegrantofthepermitwasreceivedbytheresponsibleauthority.Thisprovisionappliestoaffectedpartieswhowerenotobjectorstothegrantofapermit.

Anobjectorhasarightofreviewundersection82oftheAct.Therefore,theleaveoftheTribunalisnotrequiredfortheobjectortomakeanapplicationforreviewwithintheprescribedtime.

VCATA s. 115CA; PEA s 79

PEA ss. 81(1), (2), (3)

PEA ss. 85(1)(da), (f)

PEA s. 82B

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Beforemakingadecisionaboutaperson’sapplicationforleavetoapplyforreviewofadecision,VCATmustgivetheresponsibleauthority,theapplicantforthepermitandtheaffectedpersonanopportunitytobeheardunlesstheapplicantforpermitconsentstotherequestfortheleavetobegranted.

VCATmaygranttheleaveifitbelievesitwouldbejustandfairinthecircumstancestodoso.Leavetomakeanapplicationforreviewcannotbegrantedifapermithasbeenissued.

Theseprovisionsdonotapplyifapermithasbeenissuedundersection63oftheAct(grantofpermitifnoobjectors)ortheapplicationforpermitisexemptfromthereviewrightsofsection82(1).

5.4.7 Cancellationandamendmentofplanningpermits

Undersection87(1)oftheAct,VCAThasthepowertocanceloramendaplanningpermitifitconsiderstherehasbeen:

• amaterialmisstatementorconcealmentoffactinrelationtotheapplicationforthepermit

• anysubstantialfailuretocomplywiththeconditionsofthepermit

• anymaterialmistakeinrelationtothegrantofthepermit

• any material change of circumstances which has occurred since the grant of the permit

• anyfailuretogivenoticeinaccordancewiththeAct

• anyfailuretocomplywiththereferralauthorityrequirementscontainedinsection55,61(2)or62(1).

Section89oftheActprovidesforanypersonwhoobjected,orwouldhavebeenentitledtoobjecttotheissueofapermit,torequestVCATtocanceloramendthepermitifthepersonbelievesthatheorshe:

• shouldhavebeengivennoticeoftheapplicationandwasnot;or

• hasbeenadverselyaffectedbyamaterialmisstatementorconcealmentoffactinrelationtotheapplicationforthepermit;oranysubstantialfailuretocomplywiththeconditionsofthepermit;oranymaterialmistakeinrelationtothegrantofapermit.

Inadditiontothepowersundersection87,VCAThasthepowertocanceloramendapermitthathasbeenissuedatitsdirectionifitconsidersitappropriatetodoso.Therequestunderthissectionmustbemadebytheowneroroccupierofthelandconcernedoranypersonwhoisentitledtouseordevelopthelandconcerned.

VCAT Practice Note PNPE3 – Cancellation and Amendment of Permits and Stop Orders setsouttheprocedurestobefollowedinapplicationsforreviewtoamendorcancelapermitundersections87,87Aand89oftheActandapplicationsfororderstostopdevelopmentundersection93oftheAct.

Itisimportanttonotethatsection88oftheActprovideslimitsonVCAT’spowertocanceloramendapermitundersection87.VCATwillneedtobesatisfiedthattheapplicationwasmadeassoonaspracticableandbeforetheconstructionofbuildingsorthecarryingoutofworksorbeforethedevelopmentissubstantiallycarriedout

PEA s. 82B(2), (3)

PEA s. 87(1)

PEA s. 89(1)

PEA s. 87A

PEA s. 88

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orcompleted.Ifthedevelopmentorconstructioniscompleted,theTribunalcannotamendorcancelthepermitundersection87oftheAct.Theselimitsdonotapplytoacancellationoramendmentofapermitundersection87A.

SupplementaryguidanceonmakinganapplicationtocanceloramendapermitisalsoavailableintheVCATPlanningandEnvironmentListGuidelines for Cancellation and Amendment of Permits Under Sections 87 and 89 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

Ifthepermitrelatestotheuseofthelandonly,anapplicationtocancelortoamendthepermitcanbemadeatanytime.

5.4.8 Enforcementordersandinterimenforcementorders

VCAThasthepowertomakeenforcementordersandinterimenforcementordersundersections114and120oftheAct.TheseordersmayrelatetoabreachoftheAct,aplanningschemeorconditionsinapermit.Enforcementordersareusuallyrequestedbytheresponsibleauthority,butcanalsoberequestedbyotherpersons.

VCAT Practice Note – PNPE4 Enforcement Orders and Interim Enforcement Orders issuedbyVCATprovidesguidanceonmakinganapplicationforanenforcementorderorinterimenforcementorder,includingadviceontheprocedurestobefollowed.

Interim enforcement orders are intended for urgent cases. They enable the maintenanceofexistingcircumstancespendingthehearingoftheenforcementorderapplication.

Theconductofahearingforanenforcementorderapplicationisnotthesameasotherapplicationhearings.Evidenceisnormallygivenonoathoraffirmation,ratherthanbyassertionorwrittensubmission.Enforcementorderscanhaveseriouseffectsonexistingrights.Thiscanmeanthatfactswhichareinissueneedtobeestablishedonthebalanceofprobabilities,bearinginmindtheseriousnatureoftheproceedingsandconsequences.

ItshouldbenotedthatVCAThasthediscretionnottomakeanenforcementorder,evenifabreachofthelegislationorpermitconditionisfoundtohaveoccurred.VCATwillconsidertheconsequencesofmakinganenforcementorderaspartofitsdecisionwhether or not to make the order.

VCAThasthepowertoorderthepaymentofcostsinenforcementorderapplicationswhereitconsidersthatcircumstancesjustifyitdoingso.Suchcircumstancesmightinclude,forexample,thebringingofanunfoundedenforcementorderapplicationorapersistentandunjustifiedfailuretocomplywithplanninglaws.Ordersforcostsaremorecommoninenforcementorderapplicationscomparedtootherapplicationstothe Tribunal.

5.4.9 Applicationsundersections149,149Aand149BofthePlanningandEnvironmentAct1987

AnapplicationforreviewtoVCATundersection149oftheActisappropriatewherethereisadisputebetweenapartyandtheresponsibleauthorityinrelationtoamatterthatfallsoutsidethepermitapplicationprocess.Suchmattersinclude,forexample,whetherornotaplanistothesatisfactionoftheresponsibleauthorityorwhetherornot something can be done with the consent or approval of the responsible authority.

PEA ss. 114, 120

PEA s. 116

PEA ss. 149, 149A, 149B

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AnapplicationtoVCATforadeterminationundersection149Aisusedifthematterrelatestotheinterpretationoftheplanningschemeorapermit,lawfulcontinuinguserightsoranagreementmadeundersection173.

Undersection149B,apersoncanmakeanapplicationtoVCATforadeclarationconcerninganymatterwhichmaybethesubjectofanapplicationtoVCATundertheAct,oranythingdonebyaresponsibleauthorityundertheAct.

Anapplicationforadeclarationundersection149Aor149Bmustidentifyarespondentwhohasarealinterestinopposingtheapplication.Thiswilloftenbetheresponsibleauthority.VCATmaybereluctanttomakeadeclarationiftheissuesinvolvedarenotproperlycontestedbyanopposingparty.Adeclarationisadiscretionaryremedy.VCATisnotobligedtomakeadeclarationjustbecausethecircumstanceswhichwouldenableittodosohavebeenmadeout.VCATwillconsiderwhetheradeclarationisnecessary or whether other suitable remedies are available.

AnapplicationtoVCATunderthesesectionsoftheActmustbeinwritingandincludethe:

• name and address of the proposed respondent

• natureofthedeclarationordeterminationbeingsought

• precisemattertowhichtheapplicationrelates

• groundsuponwhichthedeclarationordeterminationissought.

Theresponsibleauthorityisapartytoanyproceedingsundersections149and149AoftheAct.Personswhomayhaveearlierobjectedtothegrantofapermitarenotautomaticallymadepartiestotheproceedingsundersections149,149Aand149B.However,VCATmayadvisepersonsotherthantheapplicantforreview.Thepersonscanthenseekleavetobemadepartiestotheproceedingundersection60oftheVCATAct.

Afterhearingtheapplication,VCATcandeterminethematterandmakeanydeclarationit considers appropriate.

5.4.10 Amendmentstoagreements

Section184oftheActprovidesforanowneroflandwhoisaffectedbyaproposedagreementundersection173oftheActtomakeanapplicationtoVCATtoamendtheagreement.TheparticularprovisionsaresummarisedinTable5.1.

5.5 Procedures

5.5.1 Directionshearing

Therearemanycircumstanceswhenadirectionshearinginadvanceofthefullhearingoftheproceedingwillenableapreliminarymattertobeaddressedthatmightotherwise delay the hearing. VCAT Practice Note PNVCAT5 – Directions Hearings and Urgent Hearingssetsouttheusualpracticeforthesetypesofhearings.

PEA s. 184

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Adirectionshearingcanclarifyprocedurestobefollowedincomplexcases.Itcanalsoestablishthatthereareadequategroundsforreview;decidewhoare,orwhoshouldbemadepartiestotheapplicationforreview;orwhoshouldhavenoticeoftheapplicationforreview.Followingthedirectionshearinganorderisissuedinwritingtoallparties.

VCATfrequentlyconductsdirectionshearingsandordersareissuedorallyandinwritingtoallrelevantparties.Mostdirectionshearingsareofshortduration,usuallyhalf an hour or so.

Apartytoanapplicationforreviewcanrequestadirectionshearing.InthePlanningandEnvironmentListanapplicationshouldbemadeusingthePNPE6 – Practice Day Request FormavailableontheVCATwebsite.WrittenrequestsaremadetotheRegistrarandmustsetoutthenatureofthedirectionssoughtandthereasonfortherequest.Acopyoftherequestmustbegiventoalltheotherpartiestotheproceeding.Allpartiesareadvisedwhenadirectionshearingisarranged.PartiesareinvitedtoattendandaddresstheTribunalonthematterstobeconsidered.

5.5.2 Urgenthearing

TherearecertainpressingmattersthatrequirepromptattentionfromtheTribunal,suchastopreventorstopexistingunlawfulplanningactivitiesthroughaninterimenforcementorderoranapplicationtostopdevelopmentpendinghearingofanapplicationtocanceloramendapermit.

ForsuchcasestheTribunaloffersanurgenthearingprocedure.Theprocedureissetout in VCAT Practice Note PNVCAT5 – Directions Hearings and Urgent Hearings.

5.5.3 Practicedays

InthePlanningandEnvironmentList,directionshearingsareheldonapracticeday,conductedeachFridaycommencingat10amorotherwiseasspecifiedinanoticegivenbyVCAT.ThehearingschedulecanbecheckedusingtheTribunalhearinglistingsontheVCATwebsiteorintheLawListinThe Age newpaper.

Apracticedayhearingmayalsobeheldtoconsideranurgentapplication.Anurgenthearingmayalsobeheldatothertimes,asspecifiedinanoticegivenbyVCAT.

5.5.4 Compulsoryconference

VCATorthePrincipalRegistrarcanrequirethepartiestoaproceedingtoattendacompulsoryconferenceconductedbyeitherVCATorthePrincipalRegistrarinadvanceofthefullhearingofanapplicationforreview.

Acompulsoryconferencehasasimilarpurposetoadirectionshearing.HowevertheTribunalinitiatestheconferenceandattendanceismandatory.

Acompulsoryconferenceisusedto:

• identifyandclarifythenatureofdisputedissuesintheproceeding

• promotesettlementoftheproceeding

• identifythequestionoffactandlawtobedecidedbytheTribunal

• allowdirectionstobegivenconcerningtheconductoftheproceeding.

PNVCAT5

VCATA s. 83

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NoticeinwritingisgiventoallpartiesbythePrincipalRegistrar.Acompulsoryconferenceisgenerallynotopentothepublicandtheproceedingsareatthediscretionof the presiding member.

5.5.5 Mediation

VCATcaninitiatemediationbetweenthepartiestotrytoreconciledifferencesandsettleadisputewithouttheneedforafullhearingoftheproceeding.Mediationundersection88oftheVCATActisarrangedatthediscretionofthePrincipalRegistrar.Consentofthepartiesisnotrequiredandattendanceiscompulsory.Ifapartydoesnotattendmediationtheymaybestruckoutasaparty.

SelectionformediationismadeonthebasisthatthematerialonVCAT’sfilesuggeststhatthereisareasonablechanceofthedisputebeingresolvedthroughmediation.

Writtenrequestsformediationcanalsobemadebyapartyandshouldbedirectedtothe Registrar.

AmemberofthePlanningandEnvironmentListconductsamediationsession.Ifthemediationissuccessfulthememberwillusuallymakeanyordersnecessarytogiveeffecttothesettlement.Ifthemediationisnotsuccessfulthecasewillbelistedforconventionalhearingbeforeanothermember.

Anythingsaidinamediationsessionisconfidentialandisnotconveyedinanysubsequenthearingunlessallthepartiesagree.

5.5.6 Aquestionoflaw

Aquestionoflawmayberelevantinanapplicationforreview.Decidingaquestionoflawissignificantbecauseitestablishesalegalinterpretationwhichmayapplyinotherapplications.Aquestionoflawmaybeknowninadvanceofthehearingoritmaybeunforeseenandonlybecomeapparentduringthehearingoftheproceeding.VCATdoesnotexpectalaypersontorecogniseaquestionoflaw.

AnypartywhobecomesawareofaquestionoflawtobedecidedinaforthcominghearingmustadvisetheRegistrarimmediatelysothatVCATcanbeconstitutedwithalegalpractitioner.Alltheotherpartiestotheproceedingshouldalsobenotifiedimmediatelyand,preferably,nolaterthan10businessdaysbeforethehearingdate.

Thefailureofapartytoidentifyaquestionoflaw,whichoughtreasonablytohavebeenraisedpriortothehearingdateoratthecommencementofthehearing,maybetakenintoaccountbyVCATwhendeterminingcosts.Thisisbecauseanotherpartymayhave been unnecessarily disadvantaged.

VCATrequirestheresponsibleauthoritytoprovidecertaininformationwithin10businessdaysafteranoticeofanapplicationforreviewhasbeenserved.Theinformationincludesadviceaboutanyquestionoflawtobedecidedinadvanceofthefull hearing.

Ifthelegalmatteridentifiedbeforethehearingcommencescoulddeterminetheoutcomeoftheapplication,withoutconsiderationofthemeritsofthecase,thepartyshouldmakeapplicationforapracticedayhearing.Thismayallowthequestionoflawto be decided in advance of the full hearing.

However,ifthequestionoflawisnotresolvedatadirectionshearingandthematterproceedstoafullhearing,theTribunalwillbeconstitutedwithalegalpractitionerwhowilldecidethequestionoflaw,whetherornotthatmemberpresides.

VCATA s. 88

PNPE1

PNPE2

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Sometimesaquestionoflawisnotevidentuntilthefullhearinghascommenced.IftheTribunalisconstitutedwithoutalegalpractitioneraquestionoflawcanbedecidedbythatmemberifallpartiesagreetothematterbeingdecidedbythepresidingmember.ThequestionoflawwillotherwisebedecidedbyajudicialmemberoramemberwhoisalegalpractitionernominatedbythePresident.Themembermayalsoelecttoreferaquestionoflawtoajudicialmemberoramemberwhoisanominatedlegalpractitioner.

ApartytoaproceedingbeforeVCAThastherightofappealtotheSupremeCourtofVictoriaagainsttheTribunal’sdecisiononaquestionoflawonly.TherightofappealissubjecttoleavetoappealbeinggrantedbytheCourt.Aquestionoflawmight,forexample,concerntheinterpretationofasectionofthelegislation,oranallegedfailuretotakeintoaccountamandatoryconsiderationrequiredinthelegislation.

Therightofappealisconfinedtothequestionoflawandinvolvesareviewoftheapplicablelegalissueonly.TheCourtcannotreviewtheevidenceoranyothermatterthatVCATtookintoaccountinreachingitsdecision.AsOrmistonJsaidinCity of Camberwell v Nicholson(unreported2December1988):

‘My task is to determine only whether the Tribunal has formed a mistaken view as to the relevant law or whether its conclusion is such that nobody could properly reach if it correctly understood that law.’

AnapplicationforleavetoappealtotheSupremeCourtmustbemadewithin28daysofVCAT’sdecision.

ItisrecommendedthatapartycontemplatinganappealtotheSupremeCourtobtainlegal advice.

5.5.7 InterventionbyaMinister

TheVCATActprovidestheopportunityforaMinisteroftheCrownwiththepowertointervene in a proceeding for review of a decision made to the Tribunal. The relevant clausescontainthecircumstancesforinterventionandtheapplicabletimeframes.Insummary,aMinistercaninterveneatanytimeifheorsheconsidersthattheproceedingraisesamajorissueofpolicyandthedeterminationofthereviewcouldhaveasubstantialeffectonthefutureplanningofthearea.

TheMinisterforPlanningcan‘callin’aproceedingundertheAct,providedtheTribunalhas not commenced to hear the proceeding and the Minister considers that the proceedingraisesamajorissueofpolicy,andthatthedeterminationoftheproceedingcouldhaveasubstantialeffectontheachievementordevelopmentofplanningobjectives.

TheMinistercandirecttheRegistrartoreferthemattertotheGovernorinCouncilfordetermination;orinviteVCATtoheartheproceedingandreferittotheGovernorinCouncilfordetermination;orheartheproceedingandthenreferittotheGovernorinCouncilfordetermination.Suchadirectionorinvitationmustbemadenotlaterthansevendaysbeforethedatefixedforthehearing.

Clause60ofSchedule1oftheVCATActprovidestheTribunalwiththepowertoreferanapplicationforreviewdirectlytotheGovernorinCouncilfordeterminationinprescribed circumstances.

IfamatterisreferredtotheGovernorinCouncilbeforethehearingcommences,ahearing before the Tribunal will not take place.

VCATA Sch. 1 Pt. 16 Cl. 66

VCATA s. 148

VCATA Sch. 1 Pt. 16; Cl. 57, 58, 59

VCATA Sch. 1 Pt. 16 Cl. 58

VCATA Sch. 1 Pt. 16 Cl. 58

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The Governor in Council determines the proceeding referred to it by a Minister or the Tribunal,andmakesanyordersinrelationtotheproceeding.

Fromtimetotime,theMinisterforPlanningreleasesguidelinesontheuseofthe‘call-in’powersundertheVCATAct.FurtherinformationabouttheMinister’sinterventionpowersanddetailsaboutproceduresandguidelinesforrequestsisprovidedinPlanning Practice Note 29: Ministerial Powers of Intervention in Planning and Heritage Matters.

5.6 Furtherinformationaboutreviews

5.6.1 VCATPracticeNotes

CopiesoftheVCATPracticeNotesareavailablefromVCAT’spublicinformationcounteroron-lineatwww.vcat.vic.gov.au.Thepracticenoteseriesarenumberedforreferenceandinclude:

• PNPE1 – Planning and Environment List General Procedures

• PNPE2 – Information from Decision Makers

• PNPE3 – Cancellation and Amendment of Permits

• PNPE4 – Enforcement Orders and Interim Enforcement Orders

• PNPE6 – Practice Day Request Form

• PNPE9 – Amendment of Plans and Applications

• PNVCAT1 – Common Procedures

• PNVCAT5 – Directions Hearings and Urgent Hearings.

5.6.2 VCATForms

CopiesofthestandardVCATformsareavailablefromVCAT’spublicinformationcounter or online at www.vcat.vic.gov.au.

Astandardformisusedtomakeanapplicationforreview,anapplicationforenforcementorderandanapplicationtocancelortoamendaplanningpermit.

5.6.3 VCATDecisions

VCATmaintainscomputerindexesofallpreviousdecisionsbyreferencenumber,municipality,addressandsubjectmatter.CopiesofindividualdecisionsareavailablefromVCATforaphotocopyfee.

AllsignificantdecisionssinceOctober1996canbeaccessedusingtheAustralianLegalInformationInstitute(AustLii)websiteatwww.austlii.edu.au.Newdecisionsareaddedmonthly.

Therearealsoseveralreportingservicesavailabletosubscribers.Theseinclude:

• VictorianPlanningReports–GuidetoPlanningAppealsandPlanningPanels: www.vprs.com.au

• LexisNexis–PlanningandEnvironmentVictoria:www.lexisnexis.com.au.

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CommentaryonsignificantVCATdecisionscanalsobefoundinPlanningNews,thenewsletterpublishedbythePlanningInstituteofAustralia–VictorianDivision(forsubscriptionenquiriestelephone(03)96543777).

5.6.4 Guidelinedecisions

A‘guidelinedecisions’practicehasbeenestablishedinthePlanningandEnvironmentListofVCAT,inordertoidentifydecisionswhichcontainprinciplesthatcanbefollowedor applied in planning decision making.

Guidelinedecisionsarticulateprinciplesthatcanbefollowedorappliedinotherdecisionmaking.Theymaybeprinciplesconcerning:

• planningandenvironmentlaw;

• practiceorprocedureatVCAT;

• interpretationofplanningorenvironmentallegislation;

• interpretationofplanningschemeprovisions;or

• interpretationorapplicationofpolicy.

Guidelinedecisionsmaysetoutnewprinciplesorclarifyestablishedprinciples,especiallywhentherehasbeendebateoruncertaintyabouttheirapplicationoriftheyare applied in new or important circumstances.

GuidelinedecisionsareidentifiedontheVCATwebsiteandareavailabletovieworprint using the AustLii website.

5.6.5 GeneralInformation

GeneralinformationabouttheoperationofVCAT,includingreviewproceduresandrequirementsinaccordancewiththerelevantactsandregulations,isavailablefromVCAT:

• Website:www.vcat.vic.gov.au

• Telephone:(03)96289777

• Address:55KingStreet,Melbourne3000.

CouncilplanningdepartmentscanalsobecontactedforinformationaboutVCATreviews.

Theinformationprovidedisgeneralonlyandisnottobetakenasasubstituteforanylegaladvicewhichmayberequireddependingonthecircumstancesofanindividualcaseandtheinterestsofaparticularparty.

CopiesoftheVCATpublicationsandformsreferredtointhischapterareavailablefromVCAT’swebsite,publicinformationcounterorbycallingacustomerserviceofficer.

AcademictextbookssuchasStatutoryPlanninginVictoria,fourthedition,theFederationPress2011byEcclesD&BryantT,providefurtheradviceaboutVCATandtheapplicationreviewprocess.