FAQs

A planning scheme is a legal document that sets out policies and provisions that determine how land can be used, developed and/or protected within a Shire.

The Corangamite Planning Scheme includes:

• vision, strategic direction & planning policy
• maps that identify zones and overlays
• written text explaining what each zone and overlay means and what planning policies and other provisions apply
• incorporated documents referenced by the scheme, but not included.

Under the Corangamite Planning Scheme all land is zoned for a particular purpose. For example, residential, commercial, industrial, farming or recreation. Each zone indicates the type of uses allowed on the land, as well as controls relating to buildings and subdivisions.

A planning scheme amendment is a process that seeks to change sections of the Corangamite Planning Scheme to implement Council’s strategic projects and introduce planning policies that are up to date and best reflect Shire policies.

An amendment can include a change to a planning scheme map through the rezoning of land or the introduction of an overlay, a change to a written part of the scheme, including local policies, studies and strategies, or both.

The process for changing a planning scheme is set out in the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

Further information about the amendment process and the formal steps undertaken by Council can be found on the department’s website here.