The Department of Planning Voluntary Planning Agreements: A Guide
Are you familiar with the Department of Planning voluntary planning agreements (VPAs)? If you’re a developer, builder, or landowner, you should be. VPAs are an important tool that can help streamline the planning process, ensure community participation, and provide a way for developers to contribute to the infrastructure and amenities of the community.
What is a VPA?
A VPA is an agreement between a developer and a planning authority. It outlines agreed-upon contributions that the developer will make towards infrastructure or community amenities in exchange for the planning authority’s support of a development application.
VPAs can take many forms, such as contributions towards a park, community center, or affordable housing. These agreements are voluntary, meaning that they are not a legal requirement, but rather a way for developers to demonstrate their commitment to the local community.
Why are VPAs important?
VPAs are an important tool in the planning process for several reasons:
1. They provide a way for developers to contribute to infrastructure and community amenities that will benefit the local area.
2. They can help to streamline the planning process by providing a clear agreement between the developer and planning authority.
3. They encourage community participation, ensuring that local residents have a say in the planning process and can voice their concerns or needs.
4. They can help to offset the cost of new developments, making them more financially viable for developers.
How do VPAs work?
The process of negotiating a VPA can vary depending on the planning authority. Generally, the developer will submit a development application, which includes a proposed VPA. The planning authority will then review the application and VPA, and negotiate the terms with the developer.
Once the terms of the VPA have been agreed upon, the planning authority will endorse the development application. The VPA will then be implemented once the development is approved, and the developer will be required to fulfill their obligations as outlined in the agreement.
Overall, VPAs are an important tool for developers, planners, and local communities. By providing a way for developers to contribute to community amenities and offset the costs of new developments, they can help to ensure that future developments are sustainable and beneficial for all involved. If you’re a developer, builder, or landowner, it’s important to familiarize yourself with VPAs and how they can benefit your next project.
