VCAT Representation Melbourne

Barker Monahan brings years of VCAT representation experience to the table.

Property development can be a cumbersome exercise at times and there is no shortage of hoops to jump through when it comes to planning applications for new developments.

To get the tick of approval from the Council's planning department, all applicants need a team of specialist experts who can help them navigate the swamp of red tape.

Of course, these regulations provide important checks and balances for the wider community to help ensure that future developments are of benefit to the wider community and fit in with the surrounding features and hallmarks of the local area.

Occasionally, this means that the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal is sometimes involved to resolve disputes.

If your planning application has been rejected by Council or is facing an appeal from the local community, Barker Monahan can help you assess your case and provide expert evidence and representation to help you through the appeals process.

Barker Monahan is happy to help with VCAT representation regardless of whether we were consulted during the land surveying or town planning process.

Our experience in making VCAT representations ensures we are well placed to assess your case, make honest recommendations about potential changes to your planning application if required and help you succeed in VCAT to get back on track.

At Barker Monahan, we strive to help our clients understand the requirements expected by councils and help them through the planning process to ensure the greatest chance of success.

However, even the best-laid plans can hit roadblocks.

Whether Council refuses your proposal or your accepted proposal receives objections from the local community, you want to ensure you work with a town planning consultant with good experience at the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

Why do Developers deed VCAT representation?

Land development or changing the use of land can be an emotional and sometimes a political exercise.

As councillors change, so do their expectations from local land development projects, meanwhile, neighbouring property owners and residents may also not be fond of a developer’s project for a number of reasons.

This can often mean that what was once acceptable will no longer be approved by Council.

When this happens, developers have a right to appeal the decision at VCAT.

Barker Monahan has significant experience representing clients at VCAT. Our understanding of the VCAT process, procedures and relevant decisions ensure we can tailor your case for the best possible result on the day.

Who else can appeal to VCAT? 

Of course, Council planning refusals are not the only time a developer might need to proceed to VCAT and have preferred representation by a planning consultant.

Sometimes, Council may issue a Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit and it may need to be defended at VCAT following an appeal by neighbouring residents or businesses.

While addressing Council issues are more a case of working with the facts, addressing issues from concerned residents can often require a bit more negotiation.

Often, objections can relate to how a proposed project will affect traffic in the local area, or how a proposal fits in with the neighbourhood character.

Barker Monahan can help you understand these concerns and come up with practical solutions to resolving these disputes.

Wherever possible, we will seek a resolution outside of VCAT, but should VCAT representation be required, you can be confident in our ability to provide exceptional representation.

Why trust Barker Monahan with your VCAT representation

Barker Monahan has been in business for over 50 years and operates with knowledgable town planners with years of experience at VCAT.

As outlined above, there are a range of reasons why your planning application may end up in VCAT, but with our in-house land surveying, subdivision and town planning expertise, you can be confident in Barker Monahan’s ability to represent you in VCAT.

We are comfortable taking on cases, even if we have not been involved in the town planning application and will provide new clients with a thorough and detailed assessment of their case, whether or not they will need to make changes or negotiations to get the final tick of approval and help prepare your case for VCAT.

Our familiarity with the VCAT process and indeed the members themselves, coupled with our experience actually speaking and making representations in VCAT means you are in good hands for all your VCAT representation needs.