705-345 Planning Law

705-219 Planning and Development Management, 100 points of Law subjects, or permission of lecturer

The course begins with an outline of the structure and content of the Planning and Environment Act 1987. The process for preparing and amending planning schemes is examined, followed by the structure and content of planning schemes, using a Melbourne municipal planning scheme as a case study. The planning permit process is discussed, with particular attention to factors affecting the exercise of discretion by planning authorities. This leads to an examination of the appeal process and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, judicial review of planning-related decisions and issues of enforcement. The course concludes with an examination of heritage controls.

On completion of the subject students should have developed skills in research, critical analysis and writing and some experience with group work.

Written assignments not exceeding 3000 words (40%) and a two-hour examination (60%)

• D.Eccles & T.Bryant, Statutory Planning in Victoria. 3rd Edn. 2006.