Ask for a review of a planning decision

If your planning permit application is refused or you’re not happy with the permit conditions, you can ask for a review of the decision (called an appeal) from the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

I want to

Learn more about VCAT

When can I ask for a review

The reasons why you may want to ask for a review of a decision (also called an appeal) from Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) can include:

Applicant

Council refused your planning permit application (called a Section 77 appeal against refusal)
you are not happy with the conditions of your permit (called a Section 80 Conditions appeal)

If Council did not make a decision on a planning application within the 60-day statutory timeframe you can appeal to VCAT. This is called a Section 79 Failure appeal.

Objector

you objected to an application that Council has issued (called a Section 82 objector appeal)

How to lodge an appeal

The application for review must be lodged with VCAT either online or by using the required VCAT form, and accompanied by their prescribed fee. All lodgement information is available on the VCAT website.

Permit applicants or holders

If you're a permit applicant, you must lodge your VCAT application for review within 60 days of Council’s Notice of Refusal. For full details on appeal provisions, please refer to the back of your decision document or visit the VCAT website.

Objectors

If you are an objector, you must lodge your VCAT application for review within 28 days from the date of the Notice of Decision. For full details on appeal provisions for objectors, please refer to the back of your decision document or visit the VCAT website.

VCAT also has a list available of current objector applications for review.

If you were refused a permit, you have 60 days from receiving the Notice of Refusal to apply for a VCAT review.

If you objected to an application, you have 28 days from the date of the Notice of Decision to apply for a VCAT review.

You need to submit an application for review with VCAT online and pay the application fee. You can find all the information about how to apply on the VCAT website.

Current applications with VCAT

In certain circumstances VCAT directs responsible authorities to publish plans and materials relating to a hearing. We publish this information here as soon as practical.