Report a planning breach

We are responsible for administering and enforcing the Planning and Environment Act 1987, including planning permits issued under the Banyule Planning Scheme.

Defining breaches

Planning breaches can include:

  • building works that are inconsistent with the planning permit or endorsed plans (for example, window screenings that are not installed as required or alterations to landscaping other than those approvred in the approved plans)
  • removal or lopping of protected trees
  • illegal use of a property or changing the way the land is used without required planning approval (for example, approved operating hours)
  • changes in a heritage a overlay (for example, unapproved works or demolition).

What is not a breach

Any changes that do not require a planning permit are not considered a breach.

Construction and building

Our Construction Management team handles events related to:

  • construction work outside of approved hours
  • staging or queuing of construction vehicles
  • dust, mud and vibrations from construction sites
  • hoarding and obstructions on footpaths.

Building works are permitted weekdays 7am-6pm and Saturdays 9am-3pm. Work is not permitted on Sundays or ANZAC Day, Christmas Day and Good Friday. To work outside of these hours, an out-of-hours permit is required.

Contact Worksafe if you want to report any unsafe work practices.

Report a construction issue

Noise

For noise coming from a public space, including parties, yelling and antisocial behaviour, contact Victoria Police.

For industrial, commercial or trade noise (for example, loading dock and delivery bay noise, reversing beeper noise) contact the EPA 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842 or report online.

Council assets

You can contact us directly for any damage to nature strips or footpaths.

Report an asset issue

Illegal brothels

We do not respond to illegal brothels as they are the responsibility of Victoria Police.

Contact your local police station or Crime Stoppers online or on 1800 333 000.

Abandoned vehicles, graffiti and other events to report

You can report abandoned vehicles, graffiti, motorbike noise or unsightly properties directly to us.

Report it online

Reporting a breach

We investigate all reported breaches and work to resolve situations so compliance is met.

We prefer voluntary compliance. However, if negotiations are not appropriate, or they fail, then we can:

  • issue an official warning: this can include remedial actions.
  • issue a planning infringement notice: this includes a penalty fee (set by the State Government relative to the breach) and remedial actions.
  • issue an enforcement order: we can make an application to VCAT for an enforcement order to achieve compliance.
  • commence a prosecution in Magistrates’ Court: where responsible parties may face conviction and significant financial penalties.

Ways you can report

Lodge a planning complaint online

You may also describe the breach by calling the Development Planning Team on 9490 4222. 

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