By Parker McKenzie
Ahead of the November 26 state election, Yarra Ranges Council is calling on the Minister for Planning and the Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning (DELWP) to commit to helping resolve the issue of orphaned planning permits.
At a Council meeting on Tuesday 13 September, the council unanimously carried a motion to support its advocacy plan, which included asking the minister and DELWP to support the Victorian Building Authority to “appoint a Manager for any Private Building Surveyor (PBS) business if the PBS’s registration has been suspended or cancelled”.
A spokesperson for the VBA said the authority has been working closely with DELWP and key industry stakeholders to find a solution to the issue of orphaned building permits.
“The Victorian Budget 2022/23 included $7.9 million over two years for building reforms to secure Victoria’s economic recovery, including helping to address the issue of orphaned permits,” the spokesperson said.
“As an effective connector, the VBA has been leading industry workshops to provide consumers with solutions and recently launched a pilot program for reviewing detached permits and the associated building work, establishing the best pathway for resolution.”
The issue — where homeowners are left stranded with building permits unable to be completed — occurs when the original private building surveyor is no longer in business and no other surveyor will complete the job because of insurance liabilities.
A Victorian government spokesperson said “we’re already working with the Victorian Building Authority, councils and industry stakeholders to understand the extent of the orphaned permits issue and develop options to assist consumers resolving these matters.”
The issue has been worsened by a shortage of building surveyors and the Covid-19 pandemic.
