The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) is the independent body that reviews planning decisions in Victoria. Whether you are appealing a refusal, contesting permit conditions, or facing a third-party objector appeal, understanding how VCAT works is essential.
When Can You Appeal to VCAT?
A planning permit applicant can apply to VCAT where council has refused the application, issued a permit with contested conditions, or not made a decision within the statutory 60-day timeframe.
- Permit refusal by council
- Contested permit conditions
- Council failure to decide within 60 days
- Third-party objector appeal against a granted permit
Types of VCAT Hearings
VCAT planning matters may be heard via mediation, a compulsory conference, or a formal hearing where both parties present evidence and a VCAT member makes a binding determination.
Evidence and Timelines
VCAT planning hearings rely heavily on expert evidence from town planners, architects, and traffic engineers. Appeals typically take 6–18 months to reach a hearing date depending on complexity.