9. Extend the time on a planning permit

Planning permits usually include conditions. The last condition on most planning permits tells you when you have to start and finish your development. The finish date is the expiry date.

You can submit a request to Council to extend the expiry date on your planning permit.

When you can apply for an extension of time

The application for an extension of time on a planning permit must be made in writing:

before the permit expires, or
within 6 months after the permit expires, or
within 12 months after the permit expires, if the development lawfully commenced before the expiry date and you wish to extend the time to complete the development.

If you submit your request outside these times, Council and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) cannot extend the permit. A new application for a planning permit must be submitted.

How to apply for an extension of time

What you need

The length of time you require.
An explanation of the reasons why you need the extra time.
Evidence that the development lawfully commenced before the expiry date (if the development has started and the request is made within 12 months of the expiry date). Council officers check that all relevant planning permit conditions were satisfied prior to the works starting.

Apply online

Apply for an extension of time on a planning permit through Council Online Services.
As part of the online application process, you upload digital files and pay the planning fee by Visa or MasterCard.
When Council receives your application, you receive an automated email confirmation that your application has been received.

You can register as a user and sign in to Council Online Services before you apply. You will already be registered if you have booked a pre-application meeting with Council online. As a registered user, you don't need to re-enter your personal information and can keep track of requests and applications on any device.

Apply for an extension of time on a planning permit

Apply by post or in person

You can download the Extension of Time Application form (DOC 92Kb) and submit with all the required documentation and applicable planning fees.

You can submit your application by post to Locked Bag 10, Merri-bek 3058 or in person to Moreland Civic Centre.

Council Planning team operates digitally and does not work with hard copy documents. When Council receives a hard copy planning application, Council must first scan all documents and plans. The application is then allocated an application number and given to a Council planning officer.

If an email address is provided, you will receive notification of the application number and officer's contact details by email. Otherwise, notification is sent by post.

If you need advice about what information is required you can contact Council or visit Merri-bek Civic Centre, 90 Bell Street, Coburg to speak to a Council planning officer.

What happens after you apply

Council will send you a letter informing you if your application has been approved. If your application is approved the letter will advise you of the new expiry date.

If you apply online or provide an email address, this letter is delivered by email.