Object to a Planning Permit application

To object to a Planning Permit application with us, your objection must:

1. be in writing
2. include your full name, address, phone number and email address
3. explain why you’re objecting
4. explain how you'll be affected if we issue the permit.

You can include suggested changes to the permit that address your concerns.

Objections are public documents. The permit applicant as well as people who objected to it can view the objections during the application process. (The phone numbers and email addresses of objectors won't be on display.)

Lodge an objection

You can use our online form to lodge an objection.

 Lodge an objection

Alternatively, you can:

• download and print the Object to a Planning Permit application form (available under 'Downloads' on this page). Complete the form and post it to us at Private Bag 1, Camberwell Victoria 3124 or drop it in person to Council offices at 8 Inglesby Road, Camberwell.
• Email the Statutory Planning team at [email protected] with your concerns.
• Post a letter with your concerns and mail to City of Boroondara, Statutory Planning Department, Private Bag No. 1, Camberwell, VIC 3124.

When to object

We recommend you submit your objection within 14 days of when we give notice of (advertise) a planning application.

We often need more time than this to consider any objections and make a decision, so this gives you more time to object.

Contact us to find out when we are likely to make a decision:

• call (03) 9278 4888
• email [email protected].

Some Planning Permit applications – including VicSmart and applications to subdivide land – aren't given notice and there’s no chance to object. To find out which type of applications don't require notice, visit our Boroondara Planning Scheme page.

View objections

You can view objections submitted for current applications at the Planning counter.

The Planning counter is open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday at council offices at 8 Inglesby Road, Camberwell.

Making a decision

We must consider all objections that we receive.

Once we've made a decision we’ll write to the permit applicant and any objectors at the postal or email address provided.

• If we don’t support the application, we'll issue a refusal to amend the permit.
• If we approve the application, we'll issue a notice of decision to grant a Planning Permit.

A notice of decision is not the same thing as a Planning Permit. The notice states the conditions that will apply to the permit if it is issued.

Important change to third party (objector) appeal rights

In April 2025 the State Government introduced new rules for townhouses and apartments. If you feel you are affected by this application, you can submit an objection. However, there are no third party appeal rights for objectors if all relevant deemed to comply standards are met.

The applicable standards relate to neighbourhood character and amenity protection:

• 55.02-1 Street setback
• 55.02-2 Building height
• 55.02-3 Side and rear setbacks
• 55.02-4 Walls on boundaries
• 55.02-5 Site coverage
• 55.02-6 Access
• 55.02-7 Tree canopy
• 55.02-8 Front fences
• 55.04-1 Daylight to existing windows
• 55.04-2 Existing north-facing windows
• 55.04-3 Overshadowing secluded open space
• 55.04-4 Overlooking
• 55.05-2 Overshadowing domestic solar energy systems

If there’s an objection and the application doesn’t meet one or more of the above standards​ and the council decides to grant a planning permit, it must issue a notice of the decision to grant a permit to the applicant and any objector. An objector will then have the opportunity to appeal the decision to VCAT.

For more information about the process, visit the Department of Transport and Planning’s Townhouse and Low-Rise Code page.

Appeal a notice of decision

If you object to our decision, you have 28 days from the date of our decision to appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

The Planning Permit applicant can also appeal the conditions in the notice of decision. They have 60 days from the date of our decision to appeal to VCAT.

If nobody appeals to VCAT, we’ll issue a Planning Permit 28 days after our decision.

More information

• Find out more about the VCAT appeals process.
• Understand how to participate as an objector in VCAT appeals.
• Contact our Statutory Planning team by email at [email protected] or call (03) 9278 4888.