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

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