Keen Planning

17/02/2026

Navigating permit requirements can be complex, but we're here to make it easier. Whether you're expanding a home, developing an apartment block, medical centre, or opening a childcare or café with a liquor license, our team is highly skilled in managing the application process. Explore some of our recent projects to understand our capabilities.

View a selection of our recent projects, including mixed use, residential, commercial and industrial approvals throughout Australia.

12/02/2026

Get to know the team behind Keen Planning! Our proven experience and excellent communication ensure success in every project. We’re committed to delivering high-quality developments that maximize your investment and foster vibrant communities.

Town Planning Appeals & Consultants Melbourne

07/02/2026

Discover our Proven Approach to planning permit applications across metropolitan Melbourne, achieving over 90 percent success in approvals through collaborative working, early issue identification, and strategic advice. Trust us to navigate the process smoothly with open communication and expert representation.

Town Planning Appeals & Consultants Melbourne

19/01/2026

2025 kept us on our toes – a year filled with permits, challenging projects, tight deadlines and, yes, a few stressful moments along the way. Thankfully, it was all balanced out with Wellness Wednesdays, plenty of coffee, and lots of laughs through our team catch-ups and activities.

It was certainly an exciting year in the planning world, with a wave of planning scheme amendments coming through that kept things dynamic and never dull.

We wrapped up the year on a high note with a delicious pre-Christmas lunch at Nomad (the food was outstanding), followed by drinks at Young & Jackson, officially farewelling 2025.

After three weeks of soaking up the sunshine and enjoying a well-earned break, we are back in the office feeling refreshed, re-energised, and excited for the year ahead. We are also pleased to welcome a new team member, David, who has just joined us. We are excited to have him on board.

We are looking forward to a positive economic climate and strong business growth, supporting our clients to achieve their goals, and continuing to strengthen our team culture.

We hope you all had a wonderful break and look forward to working with you throughout the year ahead.

Cheers to 2026!

We work nationwide. For any planning enquiries, feel free to contact us on (03) 9596 9000 or email [email protected] for any planning questions.

16/12/2025

EXCITING PLANNING NEWS – UPDATES TO CAR PARKING REQUIREMENTS

The Victorian Government is set to introduce significant reforms to car parking requirements in new developments, aimed at improving affordability, easing congestion, and encouraging more sustainable transport choices.

In areas well-serviced by public transport, developers will soon be required to provide fewer car parking spaces. This is a practical shift – as one car space can add over 10% to the cost of a townhouse or apartment and increase rental prices by more than 15%. In central Melbourne, up to 40% of private parking spaces sit empty at any time, highlighting how often parking is over-provided.

As town planners, we often find it both amusing and frustrating that developments are required to provide car parking spaces simply to meet a regulatory requirement, even when actual demand in areas well-connected to public transport and infrastructure is far lower. This reform is long overdue, given the current economic pressures and increasing focus on climate resilience.

One of the key features of this reform is potential increase to the minimum number of bicycle parking spaces and end-of-trip facilities in new developments. By making it easier to ride, scoot or walk, the changes support sustainable, active transport and reduce reliance on private vehicles.

The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) will oversee implementation. Key planning scheme amendments include updates to Clauses 18 (Transport) and 52.06 (Car Parking), ensuring development aligns with contemporary transport and urban design priorities.

These reforms are about more than just parking, they are about building liveable, accessible and affordable neighbourhoods. By reducing unnecessary car spaces in areas well connected by public transport and promoting cycling infrastructure, Victoria is moving toward smarter, more sustainable cities designed for people, not just cars.

The reforms are expected to come into effect later this year. A new Car Parking Requirement Map will replace the current Principal Public Transport Network Area (PPTN) Map. Unlike the current system, it will consider the quality and frequency of transport services and introduces lower maximum parking rates in highly accessible areas, ensuring parking provision better reflects actual demand.

To learn more visit: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/news/articles/car-parking-requirements

If you have any questions, please contact us on (03) 95 96 9000 or email at [email protected].

29/10/2025

Celebrating 25 Years of Planning Excellence!

We recently came together to celebrate 25 remarkable years with past and present employees, friends, and family.

It was a memorable evening filled with laughter, stories, and heartfelt gratitude for everyone who has been part of our journey. Your trust, support, and commitment have shaped the organisation we are today.

From our early beginnings to the diverse projects we proudly deliver across Australia today, our story has been defined by collaboration, passion, and a shared vision for planning better communities. This celebration was a special opportunity to reconnect, reflect on key milestones, challenges, and wins, and recognise the many individuals who have contributed to our success, including our clients, designers, architects, consultants, and dedicated team members.

Thank you to all who joined us, and we definitely missed those who couldn’t be there!

Here is to 25 years of achievements, meaningful connections, and positive impact – and to the exciting milestones that lie ahead!

12/10/2025

Planning Update: Amendment VC282 – The New Clause 54 (Single Dwelling)

From 8 September 2025, Amendment VC282 introduced a deemed-to-comply assessment pathway and updated residential development standards under Clause 54 for dwellings on lots of less than 300 square metres

This follows similar reforms made in March 2025 to Clause 55, which introduced the Townhouse and Low-Rise Code for townhouses and apartments up to three storeys.

The changes provide greater flexibility, relax a number of planning controls and enable a fast-track decision process through a VicSmart assessment pathway with a 10-day decision timeline. Key changes under the new Clause 54 include:
• A minimum street setback reduced to 6m (or to match the adjoining property setback if this is less).
• Reduced and sliding scale site coverage: 60% in the Neighbourhood Residential Zone, 65% in the General Residential Zone, and 70% in the Residential Growth, Mixed Use, Housing Choice and Transport Zones.
• Tree canopy requirements: from 1 tree on lots up to 100sqm, increasing to 3 trees on lots between 200-300sqm.
• Private open space: minimum 25sqm with a 3-metre dimension, with balconies or rooftop terraces acceptable alternatives.
• Overlooking exemptions for bedrooms.
• New sustainability standards, including rooftop solar and solar protection.

Under the deemed-to-comply framework:
• Meeting the relevant standards will “turn off” decision guidelines, broader planning scheme considerations, and third-party review rights.
• Applications that meet all neighbourhood character and external amenity standards will be exempt from third-party notice and review.
• Similar provisions apply to small second dwellings.

This amendment also aligns Clause 54 more closely with Clause 55, limits local schedule variations so that they can only be more permissive, and introduces transitional provisions to ensure existing applications or permits lodged before commencement continue to be assessed under the previous Clause 54.

These reforms are another step in the right direction of providing more dwellings for Melbourne faster. Building regulations are also expected to be updated shortly to ensure alignment with the new planning rules.

Learn more about Amendment VC282 here: www.planning.vic.gov.au

For advice on how these changes may affect your project, please contact us on (03) 9596 9000 or [email protected].

24/09/2025

Planning Update: Amendment VC289 – Protecting Canopy Trees 🌳 🌳 🌳

From 15 September 2025, new planning rules (Amendment VC289) have come into effect to protect and enhance canopy trees across Victoria. This amendment introduces a new planning permit requirement under Clause 52.37 (Canopy Trees) to remove, destroy or lop canopy trees in most residential zones (excluding the Low Density Residential Zone).

A canopy tree is generally defined as a tree more than 5 metres in height, with a trunk circumference of more than 0.5 metres, and a canopy spread of at least 4 metres.

A permit is required to remove a canopy tree:
• Anywhere on a lot where:
- the land is vacant, or
- the land is vacant and a single dwelling is proposed (no planning permit required).
• Within 6m of the street frontage or 4.5m of the rear boundary where:
- the land contains an existing dwelling, or
- the land is vacant or developed with a dwelling and a planning permit is being assessed for one or more new dwellings.

We believe that these new requirements will affect the development area available and the flexibility of housing design. However, the Minister for Planning has highlighted that the intent is not to prevent development but to ensure that site planning and housing design actively consider tree retention and provide for new canopy planting.

In addition to restrictions on tree removal, the amendment introduces minimum canopy cover requirements. Sites up to 1,000 square metres must provide 10 per cent canopy cover, while larger sites must achieve 20 per cent canopy cover. For example, a 700 square metres site is expected to provide at least four (4) canopy trees, achieved either through retaining existing trees, planting new ones, or a combination of both.

This change delivers on Action 12 of Plan for Victoria, which sets a target of achieving 30 per cent canopy cover in urban areas. Canopy trees are vital in addressing the challenges of climate change. They reduce the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, support biodiversity, provide shade and cooling, and contribute to the amenity and character of our neighbourhoods. By embedding these requirements within the Victoria Planning Provisions, the State Government recognises tree canopy as essential for sustainable urban growth.

While the amendment will increase the number of permit applications for tree removal, applications triggered solely by this requirement can be assessed through the VicSmart process – a quicker and simpler pathway – helping to manage administrative impacts.

In most cases, however, applicants will need to engage an arborist to confirm canopy status, health and Tree Protection Zones, and prepare a landscape plan that demonstrates how canopy cover requirements will be met at maturity.

Previously, tree removals of this nature were managed through local law permits by Councils. Amendment VC289 now replaces that process for residential zones, creating a more consistent, state-wide approach to canopy tree protection.

We can see the reasoning for this amendment, however are concerned that this amendment will result in more situations where existing canopy trees are given a very high status and can see that if there are a number of trees on a site, Council will continue to favour high canopy tree retention over all other planning considerations, resulting in significant restrictions on development and challenging planning arguments seeking a more balanced position to tree protection.

To learn more about Amendment VC289 and how it may apply, visit: www.planning.vic.gov.au

If you have any questions or would like to discuss how these changes may affect your project, please contact us on (03) 95 96 9000 or at [email protected].

11/08/2025

Great news for hospitality business owners in Victoria!

As of 1 July 2025, planning permits are no longer required for licensed premises for sale or consumption of liquor. This follows the removal of Clause 52.27 (Licensed Premises) from the Victoria Planning Provisions under Amendment VC286.

This reform is a major win for small and local hospitality businesses. It eliminates the duplication of requiring both a liquor licence and a planning permit, which previously cost business owners significant time and money. It was an outdated process, and this long-awaited change will make it easier to set up and operate licensed venues in Victoria.

While a liquor licence from Liquor Control Victoria (LCV) is still required, a planning permit specifically for the sale or consumption of liquor is no longer needed. LCV may still request confirmation that the proposed use is allowed under the local planning scheme, so it’s important to check zoning and overlay controls that may apply.

We recently helped a client looking to open a boutique bar in a commercial zone in Box Hill. Our planning review confirmed that no planning approval was needed, and the client was able to bypass the planning approval process and proceed straight to obtaining their liquor licence and building permit. They saved potentially months and thousands of dollars.

Small businesses are the backbone of the local economy. These reforms are a game changer by cutting red tape, reducing costs, and speeding up approvals for hardworking business owners.

Where an existing planning permit for a licensed premises is in place, the local council remains the responsible authority for enforcing permit conditions, including those relating to amenity. Please note that a planning permit may be required for other uses, such as operating a bar, restaurant, or venue with outdoor seating, depending on the zoning and overlays that apply to the site.

If you have questions or need advice about your site or proposal, feel free to get in touch with us.

To learn more about these changes, visit: planning.vic.gov.au/guides-and-resources/guides/all-guides/licensed-premises

28/07/2025

Even in the midst of one of our busiest seasons, we hit pause a couple of weeks ago for something important: KP team time!

Our mid-year function kicked off with good food and drinks at Stomping Ground Brewery, where we finally got to relax, chat, laugh, and catch up outside the whirlwind of deadlines, reports, and client calls. Then things got serious(ly fun): go-karting and arcade games brought out everyone's inner kid and competitive streak!

There was plenty of friendly trash talk, especially between Emma, Jyothi, and Bruce… but Emma absolutely flew ahead, overtaking Bruce and securing bragging rights for the rest of the year! 🏎️💨

We then ended up for celebratory drinks at 2 Brothers Brewery to round out the day.

It’s easy to stay heads-down when work is non-stop, but this was a great reminder that taking some time off with the team is very renewing. Here is to a fantastic second half of the year with this brilliant crew 🥂

26/06/2025

Another Planning Permit – Wellbeing Chiropractic, Caroline Springs

Keen Planning is proud to have secured the planning permit for the now-operating Wellbeing Chiropractic clinic at 51 Caroline Springs Boulevard, Caroline Springs.

Having worked with Wellbeing Chiropractic across multiple locations, we are pleased to support their continued growth and contribution to community health. This new clinic now provides much-needed chiropractic care to residents of Caroline Springs and the broader Melton area.

Our role included providing planning advice, navigating Council requirements, and preparing a clear and robust application that demonstrated the community benefit and low-impact nature of the proposal.

We are pleased to have played a part in helping deliver a well-located healthcare facility that meets both planning objectives and community needs, with no adverse amenity impacts.

We look forward to continuing our work with Wellbeing Chiropractic as they expand their presence and bring allied-health services to more communities across Victoria.

18/06/2025

Keen Planning is delighted to announce that a Planning Permit has been obtained for an expanded Manhari Metals facility in Horsham!

This project involves the relocation and expansion of an existing Manhari Metals operation, which has been operating on the adjoining lot. The new site along Horsham Road will allow the business to continue its growth and modernise its facilities to meet increasing demand.

Manhari Metals is a Victorian-wide metals recycling network currently upgrading its existing operations with new and innovative recycling technologies. The relocation to a more expansive site not only supports their ongoing growth but also enables the business to diversify into new areas of recycling, including the recovery of tyres.

The planning application process required close coordination with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to ensure the proposal appropriately addressed potential impacts such as noise, dust, water emissions, and fire risk associated with the storage of tyres on-site.

Keen Planning has worked closely with Manhari Metals on several projects across Victoria and is proud to support the ongoing upgrade of recycling infrastructure. These projects make a meaningful contribution toward achieving local and state government sustainability goals. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Manhari Metals and securing further approvals that support both our client’s objectives and community needs.