Clearing the planning backlog

Picture: TOM RUMBLE/UNSPLASH

The State Government has approved more than a third of planning permit applications for townhouses and apartments in Cardinia since handing down its Housing Statement.

Since handing down the Housing Statement, the government has cleared 60 per cent of the 1400 planning permit applications for townhouses or apartments which had been sitting for more than six months waiting for a decision, including six out of the 16 applications awaiting approval in Cardinia.

In Casey, the government has approved 17 permit applications for townhouses or apartments, with 21 applications remaining.

In total, the approved developments represent 2826 new dwellings across the state.

The State Government has also begun clearing the path for more housing by fast-tracking approvals, turning well-located underused land into quality housing that’s close to public transport, jobs and critical services.

The work has been the focus of a dedicated team working with project proponents, local councils, and referral agencies to resolve issues delaying council decision-making – to avoid projects ending up in VCAT and to get homes built.