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Why consider environment protection?

Land use planning can help to avoid potential negative impacts on the community and the environment. It can also help to ensure that incompatible uses are not developed too close together. Potential negative impacts may include noise, odour, dust, air pollutants and stormwater contamination.

The surrounding environment can also affect land uses, for example, from contamination from land and groundwater or landfill gas migration. Land use planning ensures that risks are identified early in the planning process and that harmful outcomes are avoided.

Land use planning and the planning framework

The Planning and Environment Act 1987 (PE Act) includes objectives that aim to protect the environment. The PE Act performs a preventative role through ensuring land use and development is compatible with its surrounds.

The Victoria Planning Provisions (VPP) include a range of requirements to protect the environment, human health and amenity. These include considering incompatible land uses, preventing harm to the environment, human health and amenity, and addressing potential risks from contamination.

Zones and overlays in the planning scheme also include specific requirements to ensure environment protection is considered in decision making.

Environment protection and planning framework

The environment protection and planning frameworks interact through roles and requirements set out for decision makers.

For example, the PE Act requires planning and responsible authorities to:

  • consider environment protection in decisions
  • refer certain applications to EPA for advice on the risk of harm to human health and the environment associated with land use and development
  • consider, where appropriate, instruments under the Environment Protection Act 2017 (EP Act) including the Environment Reference Standard.

The EP Act includes objectives that aim to protect the environment and human health. It sets out a duty to reduce the risk of harm to the environment. The general environmental duty (GED) applies to all Victorians to protect human health and the environment from the harmful effects of pollution and waste.

The environment protection framework also works alongside the PE Act to reduce risks from contaminated land.

Planning Practice Note 30: Potentially Contaminated Land provides guidance to planners and applicants on planning system requirements regarding potentially contaminated land.

Ministerial Direction 1 aims to ensure that potentially contaminated land is suitable for a use which is proposed to be allowed under an amendment to a planning scheme and which could be significantly adversely affected by contamination.

For more information see Contaminated land and planning

Environment and human health

Human health and wellbeing are fundamentally linked to the state of the environment – from the air we breathe, to the water we drink or swim in, to the land we grow our food and build our homes on, and through our experiences of the sounds and smells around us.

Land use planning can help ensure that land is used and developed safely, in a way that protects the environment and human health.It is one of the earliest points available in the planning process to address risks of harm to the environment or human health prior to the commencement of an activity.

Environmental and human health risks that may be addressed through land use planning include:

  • Air quality
  • Dust
  • Odour
  • Noise
  • Waste
  • Water quality
  • Wastewater
  • Land and groundwater contamination
  • Biological risks such as Q Fever

How is human health considered in land use planning?

The Victoria Planning Provisions ensure human health is a consideration in planning decisions. For details, see the list of planning policy references at Environment protection and land use planning.

The Environment Protection Act 2017 considers harm to human health as including amenity impacts. Factors such as the frequency, intensity and duration of amenity impacts can impact upon the significance of human health impacts.

For information about assessing human health impacts refer to Environmental Public Health.

Planning policy references

Planning and Environment Act 1987

Section number

s. 12 (2)(b)

Considerations

Planning authority must take into account any significant effects the amendment might have on the environment or vice versa.

Guidance

Ministerial Direction 1

Section number

s.60 (1)(e) and (1A)(f)

Considerations

Responsible authority must consider the objectives of planning in Victoria, significant effects it considers use and development may have on the environment and vice versa.

Before deciding on an application the responsible authority may consider any relevant state environment protection policy as declared in the Environment Protection Act 2017.

Guidance

Environment Protection Act 2017

Environment Protection Regulations 2021

Environment Reference Standard

Zones relevant to environment protection

Zone

VPP 32.03 Low Density Residential Zone

VPP 32.04 Mixed Use Zone

VPP 32.05 Township Zone

VPP 32.07 Residential Growth Zone

VPP 32.08 General Residential Zone

VPP 32.09 Neighbourhood Residential Zone

Relevant decision guideline

LDRZ 32.03-6 (subdivision) where there is no reticulation, must consider the requirements of the Environment Protection Regulations 2021 for on-site wastewater management system.

MUZ 32.04-14 (use for industry, service station and warehouse).

TZ 32.05-3 where there is no reticulation, requires wastewater treatment in accordance with requirements of the Environment Protection Regulations 2021.

TZ 32.05-5 (subdivision) where there is no reticulation, requires assessment in accordance with requirements of the Environment Protection Regulations 2021 for on-site wastewater management system.

TZ 32.05-13 Decision Guidelines: where there is no reticulation, must consider assessment in accordance with the requirements of the Environment Protection Regulations 2021 for on-site wastewater management system.

Considerations

The effect the existing use on adjoining or nearby land may have on the proposed use. Whether the use is compatible with adjoining and nearby sensitive uses.

Use for industry and warehouse must not adversely affect the amenity of the neighbourhood.

The effect the existing use on adjoining or nearby land may have on the proposed use.

Whether the use or development is compatible with residential use.

Guidance

Environment Protection Regulations 2021

Environment Reference Standard

EPA Publication 1518 Recommended separation distances for industrial residual air emissions

Zone

VPP 34.01 Commercial 1 Zone

VPP 34.02 Commercial 2 Zone

VPP 34.03 Commercial 3 Zone

Considerations

The interface with adjoining zones, especially the relationship with residential zones.

Compatibility with adjoining, nearby land uses.

C2Z 34.02-7 the effect industry or warehouse may have on nearby existing or proposed residential areas or other uses which are sensitive to industrial off-site effects.

C3Z 34.03-8 minimising offsite impacts via layout and design.

Guidance

EPA Publication 1518 Recommended separation distances for industrial residual air emissions

Zone

VPP 35.03 Rural Living Zone

Considerations

The impact on the natural physical features and resources of the area and in particular any impact caused by the proposal on soil and water quality and by the emission of noise, dust and odours.

Zone

VPP 35.06 Rural Conservation Zone

Considerations

Whether use or development protects and enhances the environmental, agricultural and landscape qualities of the site and its surrounds.

Whether the use or development will have an adverse impact on surrounding land uses.

Zone

VPP 35.07 Farming Zone

Considerations

The impact of the proposal on the natural physical features and resources of the area, in particular on soil and water quality.

Zone

VPP 35.08 Rural Activity Zone

Considerations

The impact of the proposal on the natural physical features and resources of the area, in particular on soil and water quality.

Zone

VPP 35.06 Rural Conservation Zone

Considerations

Whether use or development protects and enhances the environmental, agricultural and landscape qualities of the site and its surrounds.

Whether the use or development will have an adverse impact on surrounding land uses.

Zone

VPP 37.05 Docklands Zone

VPP 37.07 Urban Growth Zone

VPP 37.08 Activity Centre Zone

VPP 37.09 Port Zone

Considerations

Clause 37.05-8 environmental audit requirement before a sensitive use commences.

Clause 37.07-6 requirement for an environmental audit before a preschool or primary school commences on potentially contaminated land.

37.08-9 does the layout and design minimize the potential for offsite impacts including from noise, fumes, odour or vibration?

Consider the effect the use may have on land in a residential zone, CCZ, DZ or land for a hospital or education centre or in a PAO to be acquired for a hospital or education centre.

Overlays and environment protection

Overlay

VPP 44.03 Floodway Overlay

Purpose

To protect water quality and waterways as natural resources in accordance with the provisions of relevant State Environment Protection Policies, and particularly in accordance with Clauses 33 and 35 of the State Environment Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria).

To ensure that development maintains or improves river and wetland health, waterway protection and flood plain health.

Overlay

VPP 44.04 Land Subject to Inundation Overlay

Purpose

To protect water quality and waterways as natural resources by managing urban stormwater; protecting water supply catchment areas and managing saline discharges to minimise the risks to the environmental quality of water and groundwater.

To ensure that development maintains or improves river and wetland health, waterway protection and flood plain health.

Overlay

VPP 45.05 Restructure Overlay

Purpose

To preserve and enhance the amenity of the area and reduce the environmental impacts of dwellings and other development.

Other Victoria Planning Provision references

VPP Clause

11 Settlement

Aim or strategy

Anticipate and respond to the needs of communities.

Contribute to health, wellbeing and safety, prevention of pollution to land, water and air.

Considerations

Consider impact that incompatible land uses may have on each other - including on health.

Consider the potential of off-site impacts when making a decision / recommendation regarding a proposed land use.

Consider encroachment of proposed sensitive land uses on industry and how that may impact human health.

Guidance

Planning Practice Note 92: Managing buffers for land use compatibility

EPA Publication 1518 Recommended separation distances for industrial residual air emissions

VPP Clause

11.02-1S Supply of urban land

Aim or strategy

Preventing or minimising significant impacts on the environment, amenity and human health due to pollution and waste

Considerations

Consider potential to allow incompatible land uses when making decisions around supply of urban land - particularly infill and redevelopment precincts.

Guidance

Planning Practice Note 92: Managing buffers for land use compatibility

EPA Publication 1518 Recommended separation distances for industrial residual air emissions

VPP Clause

12.04-1S Sustainable development in alpine areas

Aim or strategy

Ensure that the use and development of land considers and appropriately responds to potential environmental risks and contributes to maintaining or improving the environmental quality of alpine environments.

Considerations

Understand the potential risks to air, land and water relating to use and development in a sensitive alpine environment.

Consider whether the proposed development responds adequately or appropriately to the risks.

Guidance

EPA Publication 1741 Industry guidance: supporting you to comply with the general environmental duty

Planning Practice Note 92: Managing buffers for land use compatibility

VPP Clause

13 Environmental risks and amenity

Aim or strategy

Planning should aim to identify, prevent and minimise the risk of harm to the environment, human health and amenity through:

  • land use compatibility
  • appropriate siting of buildings and activities
  • applying effective controls to prevent or mitigate significant impacts.
Considerations

Understand and recognise planning's aim / role in preventing harm to environment, human health and amenity, protecting environmental values and generally how this can be achieved.

Guidance

EPA Publication 1741 Industry guidance: supporting you to comply with the general environmental duty

AN73: New requirements for a planning authority to consult Environment Protection Authority

Planning Practice Note 92: Managing buffers for land use compatibility

EPA Publication 1518 Recommended separation distances for industrial residual air emissions

Publication 1834: Civil construction, building and demolition guide

EPA Planning guidance

VPP Clause

13.03-1S Floodplain management

Aim or strategy

Ensure that the use and development of land identifies and appropriately responds to potential environmental risks and contributes to maintaining or improving the environmental quality of water and groundwater environments.

Considerations

Understand the potential risks relating to use / development to water arising from pollution and waste.

Consider impacts of use and development on water due to pollution and waste – e.g. use / storage of chemicals or wastes / dangerous materials.

Consider whether the proposed development responds to / meets the current objectives in Urban Stormwater BPEMGs.

Guidance

EPA Publication 1739: Draft Urban Stormwater management guidance

BEPM Guidelines for Urban Stormwater

VPP Clause

13.04-1S Contaminated and potentially contaminated land

Aim or strategy

Aims to ensure that potentially contaminated land is suitable for its intended future use and development and contaminated land is used safely.

Support land use and development that contributes to maintaining or improving the environmental quality of land and groundwater environments.

Considerations

Ensure that potentially contaminated land is suitable for a use which is proposed to be allowed under the permit application or amendment.

Guidance

Planning Practice Note 30: Potentially contaminated land

VPP Clause

13.05-1S Noise abatement

Aim or strategy

Aims to control the effects of noise on sensitive land uses using building design, urban design and land use separation.

Consider whether proposals to use or develop land address the potential impacts of land use and development on the acoustic environment in accordance with the noise requirements of the Environment Protection Regulations.

Considerations

Consider whether proposals or use and development will contribute to achieving or maintaining the environmental values, indicators and objectives of the acoustic environment, for example:

  • sleep
  • child learning and development

Be aware of the requirement that any noise related assessment must be conducted in accordance with new noise protocol. Understand what constitutes 'unreasonable noise', etc. and noise limits dB(A).

Guidance

EPA Publication 1826.4: Noise limit and assessment protocol for the control of noise from commercial, industrial and trade premises and entertainment venues

Environment Reference Standard

Environment Protection Regulations 2021

Planning Practice Note 81: Live music and entertainment noise

VPP Clause

13.06-1S Air quality management

Aim or strategy

Aims to protect and improve air quality, ensuring that there is suitable separation between land uses that reduce air amenity and sensitive land uses.

Considerations

Consider whether proposals / use and development will contribute to achieving or maintaining the environmental values, indicators and objectives of the air environment, for example:

  • air quality that supports life
  • health and wellbeing of humans and ecosystems
  • visibility
  • does not damage buildings, structures, property.
Guidance

EPA Publication 1518 Recommended separation distances for industrial residual air emissions

VPP Clause

14.02-1S Catchment planning and management

Aim or strategy

To assist the protection and restoration of catchments, water bodies, groundwater and the marine environment.

Strategy: Ensure that the use and development of land identifies and appropriately responds to potential environmental risks and contributes to maintaining or improving the environmental quality of water and groundwater environments.

Considerations

Consider whether management, proposals / use and development will contribute to achieving or maintaining the environmental values, indicators and objectives of the water environment, for example:

  • human consumption of aquatic foods
  • water dependent ecosystems.

Be aware of requirement for applicant to prepare SWMPs and responsibility to manage water assets to not result in harm.

Consider the BPEMGs and require developments to meet or exceed the WQ objectives.

Guidance

Environment Reference Standard

EPA Publication 1834: Civil Construction, Building and Demolition Guide

BEPM Guidelines for Urban Stormwater

VPP Clause

14.02-2S Water quality

Aim or strategy

Aims to protect water quality from contaminated run-off, prevent incompatible land uses from establishing where they will impact water quality.

Considerations

Consider whether proposals or use and development will contribute to achieving or maintaining the environmental values, indicators and objectives of the water environment for example:

  • human consumption
  • water dependent species
  • agriculture and irrigation
  • water-based recreation
  • Traditional Owner cultural values.
Guidance

Environment Reference Standard

Environment Protection Regulations 2021

EPA Publication 1834: Civil Construction, Building and Demolition Guide

BEPM Guidelines for Urban Stormwater

VPP Clause

19.03-3S Integrated water management

Aim or strategy

Ensure that the use and development of land identifies and appropriately responds to potential environmental risks and contributes to maintaining or improving the environmental quality of water and groundwater environments.

Considerations

Consider whether management, proposals / use and development will contribute to achieving or maintaining the environmental values, indicators and objectives of the water (incl. groundwater) environment (e.g. human consumption of aquatic foods, water dependent ecosystems).

Be aware of requirements regarding land subdivisions and OWMS systems, developing a WMP, managing assets to not be harmful to the environment, preparing SWMPs, managing saline discharges, pollutant load targets.

Guidance

Environment Reference Standard

Environment Protection Regulations 2021

EPA Publication 1834: Civil Construction, Building and Demolition Guide

BEPM Guidelines for Urban Stormwater

AN75: Amendment VC154 – Stormwater Management

VPP Clause

19.03-5S Waste and resource recovery

Aim or strategy

Aims to reduce waste and maximise resource recovery to reduce reliance on landfills and minimise environmental, community amenity and public health impacts.

Considerations

Consider and respond to the risks to EHHA associated with waste and resource recovery facilities.

Landfills and recycling/resource recovery uses trigger a referral to EPA under clause 53.10, so EPA requirements will be addressed via referral.

Guidance

Environment Reference Standard

Environment Protection Regulations 2021

EPA Publication 1518 Recommended separation distances for industrial residual air emissions

EPA Publications 1642: Assessing planning proposals within the buffer of a landfill

EPA Publication 1667.2: Management and storage of combustible recyclable and waste materials – guideline

VPP Clause

Clause 53.09 Poultry farm

Clause 53.14 Resource recovery

Clause 66.02 Use and development referrals

Aim or strategy

EPA is required to be notified of proposals for certain classes of broiler farms.

Composting facilities guideline listed in the Decision Guidelines.

66.02-1 works approval or licence

66.02-7 industry, utility installation or warehouse

66.02-8 extractive industry

Considerations

EPA is a determining referral authority for certain types of referrals.

If land is intended to be used as a landfill at a future date.

Guidance

The Victorian Code for Broiler Farms 2009 (Updated 2018)

Planning Practice Note 63: Applying for a planning permit to farm chickens

Page last updated: 01/04/24

Status

Guide
current
Published:
Last updated: