The Complete Guide to Plan of Subdivision in Victoria: Getting Your Application Approved

Subdividing your land and the development of two or more townhouses in one lot always keeps you from slowing down as a profitable venture! 

However, gaining approvals is a crucial part of property development in Victoria. And going in headfirst without proper guidance can cost you everything.

You can divide a large land into smaller lots and develop them separately. This is where a a plan of subdivision comes in. The Subdivision Act regulates how subdivisions are made, and there are a few important things to keep in mind for subdivisions in Victoria.

To ensure your project’s success, the experts are here to help you with a comprehensive subdivision plan guide.

So let’s begin!

What is a plan of subdivision?

A subdivision plan represents the way you divide the land into smaller pieces so you can own, sell, or rent them separately. Under a subdivision plan, each land holds an independent title and must be registered and approved for development. 

This can create easements, restrictions, and owner corporations. It can also remove or change existing easements and restrictions with a planning permit or a planning scheme. (Refer Section 32 of the Subdivision Act 1988 Vic)
In Victoria, subdivisions are approved by the local council through the Planning Legislation. This ensures that land is used in a sustainable way and considers a variety of other factors, including environmental, social, and economic concerns.

Why a subdivision plan should be considered early 

If you buy land without first getting formal approval, you can face many problems. 

For example, if the lots are not on a registered plan, the water supply may not be usable, or the road may not be well-maintained. Developers who have bought land can face trouble selling it because the ownership or title is in question.

A timely subdivision approval process ensures that:

• Your land is suitable for the new authorised use. 

• The proposal meets all of the requirements in the community’s official plan and zoning and provincial laws and policies. 

• Minimise the risk of getting your development plan rejected at a later stage.

• Your community, as a whole, is safe from developments that are not appropriate or may put an undue strain on environmental resources. 

Keeping all ends tied with the right permits and approval significantly maximises return on investment in the property development industry. So if you’re considering a subdivision of land, let’s set out a preliminary subdivision plan.

Plan of subdivision checklist – The requirements for approval

The plan of subdivision takes place over a range of steps. The preliminary subdivision plan is the first step where you set out the procedure with surveys and certifications. 

Along the process, you’re also supposed to meet several statutory requirements for the plan. This includes getting your engineering plan, and strata plan of subdivision approved.

Here’s the complete plan of subdivision checklist to put your process into perspective: 

1. Land survey with a licensed professional 

Subdivision is a complicated process that requires certain legal requirements to be followed. A licensed land surveyor must oversee the application process. The council also recommends surveying your land as the first step before applying for a permit.

A land surveyor will also be responsible for compiling relevant documents and data about your land to apply for a planning permit aligned with the Subdivisions Act. So ensure to bring an expert professional in Victoria on board. 

2. Planning permit application  

The surveyor will apply for a permit to develop the land in question with subdivision. 

If the permit is approved, this will mean that the subdivision proposal meets the requirements of the Planning Commission. The permit will also set the general conditions under which the subdivision can be approved and registered completely. 

This is also where the council will highlight any legal or construction requirements based on zoning and regulatory laws.

3. Local council certification 

To get your plan approved, you must submit it to the council for certification. Certification ensures that the plan meets the Subdivision Act 1988, the planning permit requirements, and any referral authorities. 

You will need to get approvals for any engineering plans (if required) and complete any work. Once you have obtained a certificate of planning, you will be advised of the conditions that need to be met to obtain final approval and registration.

4. Statement of compliance 

The subdivision process requires that you get a statement of compliance from the council to finalise a plan of subdivision.

This final approval letter from the council confirms that all the requirements for the subdivision have been covered, and you can officially register each property with independent titles.

5. Land title registration  

The certified subdivision plan will show where your new lot will be located, and the compliance statement will tell the government that you have followed all the rules. 

Finally, the last step is to submit the plan and statement of compliance at Land Use Victoria. Once approved, the new titles will be assigned to each lot.

How long does it take to register a plan of subdivision in Victoria?

The planning process can take a while, depending on the plan’s particulars. 

For example, it can take at least 9 months to get the surveyor involved, and on average, it can take 12 – 18 months to register your plan with the government. 

After your plan is registered, it can take up to 4 weeks for the bank to consent to the subdivision, and then it will take up to 6 weeks on average to create and register the titles. 

SQM Architects – Consult the experts in Victoria to know more 

If you want to build a subdivision on your land in Victoria, you’ll need tailored guidance to ensure your land is suitable for this venture. 

SQM Architects are the experts in Victoria who can help you do a feasibility study and keep you up to date on local subdivision regulations. Our experience in subdivision development will give you the confidence that your property will be built according to local and industry standards.

Schedule a Free Consultation with our experts and gain professional insight to make your subdivision project a success!