If you think you will be affected by the granting of a planning permit, you can make a submission / objection.
Council must consider all submissions / objections when assessing an application for a planning permit.
You must make a submission / objection in writing.
You can lodge an online submission / objection via Council's online Planning Register.
Until the end of the formal advertising period, the application can be viewed on the Advertised Applications register. Once the formal advertising period has ended, it can be accessed via Application Search. Select the relevant planning application and click the Lodge Submission button.
You can also lodge a submission / objection by completing the Objection to the Grant of a Planning Permit form;
Submission/Objection to the Grant of a Planning Permit - 216KB
Petitions with multiple signatures
Council counts petitions as one submission / objection. It does not matter how many people sign the petition.
Council considers a document a petition if:
- the reasons listed for objecting to the proposed plans are the same for each person who signs it
- the document only contains one statement and includes a list of names and signatures from multiple persons.
If you submit a petition, nominate a contact person to receive all correspondence. Otherwise, Council will send all correspondence to the first name listed on the petition. Council will consider that person to be the 'head petitioner'.
If you want to make a submission / objection as an individual and have appeal rights as an individual, you must:
- prepare your own submitter / objector statement or submission / objection form
- have a different statement to the petition.
What to include in your submission / objection
Your submission / objection should address the proposal and describe how it will affect you.
You can suggest changes that could overcome your concerns.
If your submission / objection concerns a property other than where you live, give details of the property and explain your interest in it.
Privacy notice
Your submission / objection is not confidential.
Council must make a copy of every submission / objection available as part of the public planning process. This is in line with the Planning and Environment Act 1987. Your name and personal information will be available on the copy of your submission / objection. Anyone can inspect the submissions / objections.
How to submit your submission / objection
Submit your submission / objection to a planning permit:
- electronically via the Online Planning Portal
- by email to council@cgd.vic.gov.au
- by post to Planning Department, City of Greater Dandenong, PO Box 200, Dandenong VIC 3175
- in person at the Planning Service Counter at the Greater Dandenong Civic Centre, Level 3, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong.
Next steps
Council will send you a letter to confirm it has received your submission / objection.
A submission / objection can be withdrawn, but you must do this in writing. You can do this by completing the following form; Withdraw Submission/Objection to the Grant of a Planning Permit
However, it is important to note that if you withdraw your submission / objection, Council will not inform you of the decision. You will also lose your right to apply to VCAT for a review if you are unhappy with Council’s decision.
Once Council has decided on the application, you will receive a copy of that decision. If Council decides to grant the permit, it will issue a Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit.
Appealing a decision
If you are unhappy with the decision, you might be able to appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
Details of the appeal procedures are set out on the back of the Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit. Contact Council’s Planning department if you have have questions about your appeal rights.
The closing date for appeals is 28 days after the date Council issues the notice.
If no one lodges a review with VCAT during the 28-day period, Council can grant the planning permit.
If Council refuses the application, the planning permit applicant can also appeal. Details of the appeals process are set out on the back of the Refusal to Grant a Planning Permit.
Visit the VCAT website for more information.
