Research Note
Local
14 October 2025 No, Councils don't approve 98% of permits for new housing
New findings show that metropolitan Melbourne councils approve on average less than three-quarters of permits for new dwellings.
Summary Stats
Executive summary
- “Missing Middle” projects (6 to 50 dwellings) have the lowest approval rates at just above 60% of dwellings being approved by Council.
- On average, 70% of new dwelling permits are approved across metropolitan Melbourne.
Highest rate: Brimbank at 90% - Lowest rate: Banyule at 39%
- Just over 30% of dwelling permits rejected by councils eventually get approved at VCAT
- More than two-thirds of the permits rejected by four councils—Glen Eira, Bayside, Stonnington, and Melbourne—are later approved at VCAT
- Planning approval rates and timelines have not improved since 2015
Key chart
Related
Research Note
Community consultation is unrepresentative and biased
Community consultation models used by local governments tend to favour the time-rich (property owners and older residents) over the time-poor (renters and younger residents).
Policy Submission
Vibrant Brunswick
Flagship Report
Australian Zoning Atlas
The Australian Zoning Atlas is the first ever nation-wide map that classifies and compares residential planning controls across Australia.