Precinct structure plans (PSPs) are part of a series of reforms to the Victorian planning scheme in recent years. These reforms are aimed at providing certainty to developers, investors and government agencies in order to facilitate rapid urban growth.

The Growth Areas Authority (GAA), an independent statutory authority, is the planning authority charged with preparing Precinct Structure Plans for Melbourne's designated growth areas (Wyndham, Melton-Caroline Springs, Hume, Whittlesea and Casey-Cardinia).

Before a PSP has any effect, it has to be incorporated into a planning scheme as incorporated documents under clause 81. The GAA has a policy of incorporating any amendments to the planning scheme necessary to implement the PSP into the same amendment (i.e. if a PSP required rezoning of a particular area, the rezoning of that area would form part of the same amendment as the amendment incorporating the PSP into the planning scheme).

One particular kind of amendment associated with PSPs is a Native Vegetation Precinct Plan. These are discussed further below.

Precinct Structure Plans influence planning and development in two ways:

• By incorporation. The incorporation of a Precinct Structure Plan into a planning scheme means that the contents of the PSP become relevant in making decisions on use and development under that planning scheme. For example, a PSP might contain guidelines about planning and design of open spaces within that precinct. Any decisions regarding open space taken under that planning scheme would have to consider those guidelines.

• Through the Urban Growth Zone. In 2008, the Urban Growth Zone (UGZ) was introduced to the Victorian Planning Provisions as clause 37.07. An area zoned UGZ imposes different use and planning controls, depending on whether or not a PSP applies to the area. If no PSP applies, the UGZ functions much like a Farming Zone. Where a PSP applies, however, the UGZ functions significantly differently in a number of ways. Most significantly, where a PSP applies to the area, the UGZ removes third party objection rights for permit applications 'generally in accordance with' the PSP.

A Native Vegetation Precinct Plan (NVPP) is a plan for an area which sets out what native vegetation must be kept and what native vegetation may be removed. Where an NVPP allows the removal of vegetation, no permit is required to remove that vegetation. The ordinary rules for clearing native vegetation, contained in clause 52.17 of the VPP, cease to apply. The rules governing NVPPs, and giving them legal force, are contained in clause 52.16 of the VPPs.

• The Growth Areas Authority website

• Planning Schemes Online