‘Planning’ for the Future

While local governments are historically known for being in charge of Rates, Roads, and Rubbish, there is another function that figures prominently in every one of Victoria’s 79 Shires – Planning.

Planning is particularly important in Baw Baw Shire which is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Victoria, providing over 16,000+ jobs and an economic output annually of over $4.7 billion, with new businesses becoming increasingly attracted to the region.

While anyone looking to start or grow their business will need to seek guidance from the local shire’s planning team, it is not always easy to navigate the various processes and procedures involved in these matters. To this end, we have filled this article with handy hints to help remove the barriers between the “red tape” of Council and the local business community.

Each Council has a planning scheme that is designed to regulate the use and development of land, one way this is done is requiring that certain types works can only be undertaken if a planning permit is granted. The planning scheme aims to ensure that growth within our communities is done in a sustainable way and supports the future of our communities.

Not every business will need a planning permit, but it really is a case by case basis, and before you commit to a location (especially if you are looking to purchase or lease) it is always worth with checking with your local Council in case there is anything you need to consider. Below we have given you our top 5 tips when approaching your local Council to talk about starting or growing your business:

1. ASK! When in doubt – find out.
   We’ve listed this first as it is the most important piece of advice, we can give you, don’t be afraid to ask questions – as many as you need to, and know there is no such thing as a silly question. Some businesses need planning permits, and some don’t, it really depends on what you are doing and where you are doing it, so ask the question, and keep asking until you are comfortable that you understand what is required from you.
2. Business Planning + Planning Permits = A more accurate business plan
   When you are sitting down to work on your business plan, consider what permits may be required to operate. Not only are they going to be a part of your initial expenses when setting up, but they may impact how you design your business, and factoring this in at your planning stage will make sure you have all the information you need.  This is especially important when considering purchasing or leasing a property.
3. Understand why.
   If you take your proposal in and it doesn’t look promising find out why. Is it the planning overlay on the property? Is it the location of the dwelling on the land? Is there history you don’t know about? Sometimes minor changes to plans and proposals can be the difference between a smooth planning process and a bumpy one and getting an understanding of why, or what you could change can enable you to put your best application forward.
4. Seek support.
   Different Councils offer different levels of support for businesses, here at Baw Baw Shire our Economic Development Team is here to support your business throughout its journey, and when you’re making your initial enquiries our business concierge will have a chat with you and get you the right information from the right people to get you started. Check with your local Council to see what services they may provide. Depending on your proposal there are also external planning consultants who can help prepare any documents required and give you advice if your application is complex it can be great to get the support of someone with experience.
5. Online resources.
   There is a wealth of resources available online to show you real examples of what is required and provide checklists for documents, so you don’t have to remember it all! You can find some great ones on our website here https://www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/Building-and-Planning/Planning/Application-Forms-and-Permit-Information/Information-Requirements-for-a-Planning-Permit-Application
   For those of you who love to read (and want more information and some not-so-light reading) planning schemes are public documents, and you can find a copy on your local Council’s website if you want to have a read.

Starting or growing your business is one of the most exciting adventures you can undertake, and planning is often the first step on that journey, we hope you got some helpful tips today and wish you best of luck with your venture!