“Great Design Fast Track” – Update on Changes to the Victorian Planning Scheme

On 7 April 2025, Amendment VC280 to the Victorian Planning Provisions was gazetted, introducing a “Great Design Fast Track” for a new planning assessment pathway for high-quality housing and apartment developments.

Amendment VC280 introduces a new clause 53.25 (Great Design Fast Track) and amends clause 72.01 (Responsible authority for this planning scheme) to specify that the Minister for Planning is the responsible authority for applications under the Great Design Fast Track.

In order for a proposal to be eligible for the Great Design Fast Track, the proposed development must meet requirements including the following:

• Construction of at least eight dwellings;
• At least two storeys and not more than eight storeys;
• A minimum NatHERS rating of:
  • 8.0 stars average, with no individual dwelling less than 6.5 stars for apartment developments;
  • 7.5 stars for all other dwellings;
• Effective natural ventilation for each proposed dwelling;
• Demonstration that the proposal meets the design principles as published by the Minister for Planning on the Departments’ website (Great Design Fast Track);
• Demonstration of the likely feasibility of the proposal.

An application under the Great Design Fast Track must be supported by the Minister for Planning advising in writing that the Minister is satisfied that the proposed use or development of land for accommodation (other than camping and caravan park, group accommodation, residential hotel and small second dwelling) is of significance having regard to the purpose of the new clause 53.25, whether the proposal meets the design principles, and whether the location of the proposal has convenient access to services, infrastructure and community facilities.

Applications made under the Great Design Fast Track will be exempt from third party review, and the Minister for Planning has discretion to waive various requirements under the relevant planning scheme, including:

• A minimum garden area requirement;
• Any building height or setback requirement; and
• A condition opposite a use in Section 2 in a zone or a schedule to a zone.

In exempting Amendment VC280 from notice requirements under section 20(4) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Vic), the Minister for Planning stated that streamlining the planning approvals assessment process was a “key strategy for facilitating development of additional homes given the state’s projected population growth to 2051 and the increasing demand for housing” and that “well designed and sustainable homes are essential in elevating liveability for all Victorians”. Amendment VC280 seems to aim to deliver on those key commitment of Victoria's Housing Statement: The Decade Ahead 2024-2034.

Further information

If you want to discuss the potential implications of the Great Design Fast Track please do not hesitate to contact a member from our Planning and Environment team for advice specific to your circumstances.