The VPP is a set of state standard provisions (policies and controls) created by the state government that planning authorities (usually councils) use as a template to construct planning schemes.

The state-wide template ensures consistency in planning schemes across Victoria.

Local provisions complement state standard provisions in a planning scheme through the Local Planning Policy Framework (LPPF) and schedules to zones, overlays and particular provisions. A separate set of templates for local provisions is set out in the Ministerial Direction - The Form and Content of Planning Schemes.

Read more about the VPP and structure of planning schemes.

The VPP introduced standardised planning scheme provisions in response to a proliferation of localised controls and the increasing complexity and disparity of planning schemes. The VPP is founded on the principles that planning schemes:

• have a policy focus
• will facilitate appropriate development
• are to be usable
• have greater consistency across the state.

Cumulative amendments to the VPP and local planning schemes over the past 20 years have led to increasingly long and complex planning schemes.

Policies and provisions contain inconsistencies, duplication and redundancies. This causes uncertainty and impedes efficient and consistent planning outcomes. It is often difficult for non-planners to understand and effectively participate in the planning process. These issues can also lead to outdated policies affecting decision making and policy implementation.

The proposed reforms would help the planning system better respond to changing land use needs across Victoria.

They would simplify and improve the structure of the VPP to:

• ensure planning schemes are consistent, and that state and local policy work together more effectively
• make planning schemes easier to understand and interpret
• remove barriers to participation in the planning system
• provide greater certainty for all stakeholders
• lead to more effective, timely and consistent decision making
• reduce waiting times, and costs of compliance and processing.
• assist the move towards more digital systems.

The discussion paper is divided into five main proposals:

• Proposal 1: A simpler VPP structure with VicSmart assessment built in
• Proposal 2: An integrated planning policy framework
• Proposal 3: Assessment pathways for simple proposals
• Proposal 4: Smarter planning scheme drafting
• Proposal 5: Improve specific provisions

The following areas are not being considered as part of the reform:

• Complex, transformative changes to the structure or operation of the planning system
• New or revised legislation
• Fundamental changes to the VPP model
• Substantial changes to clauses recently or currently under review as part of the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s ongoing work
• Substantial modifications to notice and review requirements
• Substantial shifts to planning policy.

Existing state planning policy will be reviewed to ensure it meets relevant rules of entry and drafting rules. It will be tested to ensure regional and local policy can be appropriately integrated; and appropriate clarifications, corrections and updates will be made, including identifying and removing any repetition and redundancies.

Just as local policy will need to be integrated into the new Planning Policy Framework (PPF), state planning policy that applies to metropolitan and regional areas (presently set out in clauses 11.06 to 11.15) will also be reviewed and integrated into the PPF model. Reference documents are also being reviewed, updated where necessary and made more accessible.

As part of the development of the reform process package, the need for transitional arrangements will be considered and communicated to stakeholders.

It is possible that some matters would no longer require a planning permit or would be assessed under a different assessment pathway.

Smart Planning is a funded change program, rather than a review.

One of the program’s specific deliverables is changes to the VPP. We are consulting with stakeholders to inform those changes.

We do not expect substantial change to the intent of planning scheme policies or controls.

To implement the new Planning Policy Framework (PPF), existing local policies would need to be translated into the PPF, under relevant policy themes. The proposed themes are generally in line with the existing State Planning Policy Framework (SPPF), but expanded to ensure a place for all appropriate Local Planning Policy Framework (LPPF) content.

A new succinct ‘municipal context and vision’ is proposed to replace the Municipal Strategic Statement.

DELWP plans to test the reforms with a group of councils to work through implications and prepare advice.

To inform the proposals, we:

• undertook an open online survey to help prioritise potential reform — the survey was sent to local government planning staff, industry peak bodies, referral authorities, and a link provided in various planning publications (view a summary of quantitative results)
• sent a targeted, more-detailed VPP questionnaire to planning authorities and peak industry bodies
• re-examined recommendations from previous reviews.

We will collate and analyse feedback received during the consultation period in the coming months. We will then test recommended reforms with our local government, state government and industry technical reference groups in early 2018.

Finalised changes to the VPP will be introduced as part of a VC amendment in mid-2018.

Over a six-week period (16 October – 24 November), we are seeking feedback on the proposals outlined in the discussion paper. This includes:

• live streamed presentation, 19 October
• open consultation on Engage Victoria enabling feedback on VPP discussion paper on the proposed VPP framework.
• seminars with planning practitioners and councils.

5pm, 24 November 2017.

We will collate and analyse feedback received during the consultation period in the coming months, and report on results.

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Email smart.planning@delwp.vic.gov.au for any queries.