Published on 26 May 2023
Over the 2022-2023 year to date Mansfield Shire Council has received 280 new planning applications with a development value of nearly $78 million. With a total value of $45 million from 237 applications in 2021, the value of works in the municipality has increased by over 40 per cent.
General Manager Infrastructure and Planning, Melissa Crane, said council’s planning team have been working hard to process these applications.
“The increase in the development value is an indication of the increased level of complexity in the applications received, associated with growth of local businesses, the increasing size of subdivisions and improved outcomes for community in terms of housing affordability and availability,” she said.
“This increase in applications for permits is linked to the strong growth that Mansfield has been experiencing over the past few years, and it’s important that Council carefully assesses all applications to manage this growth.”
Mayor Cr James Tehan said in recognition of this increased workload, and the need to make sure that Council is dealing with these applications as quickly as possible, the proposed budget for 2023/24 includes some increased resourcing in this area.
“The cost of the increased resources required to process these applications and ensure that Council remains compliant with statutory timeframes will be significantly offset by the increase in fees received for assessment of the applications,” he said.
Further information on planning within Mansfield Shire can be found on Council’s website at mansfield.vic.gov.au/Plan-Build/Planning