Swan Hill Rural City Council has launched myLot, a new AI-powered online tool designed to make it easier for residents, property owners and developers to understand planning requirements for their property.
The tool provides users with preliminary guidance about whether a planning permit may be required and helps identify the planning controls that apply to a particular property.
Council's Director Development and Planning, Dennis Hovenden said myLot was designed to provide a simple starting point for people considering building, developing or making changes to their property.
"Planning requirements can sometimes be difficult to navigate, particularly if you're not familiar with the planning system.
"The myLot platform gives people an easy way to enter their property and proposal details and receive preliminary information about the planning controls that may apply and what their next steps could be.
"If a planning permit may be required, myLot will provide a report outlining the relevant planning controls and information to help users prepare for the application process.
"It means people can do some initial research at a time that suits them, before deciding whether they need to speak with our Planning team or seek more detailed advice," Mr Hovenden said.
Council stressed that myLot does not replace Council's formal planning process or professional planning advice.
"The information provided by myLot is preliminary guidance only. It is not an official planning decision or written planning advice from Council.
"Every development proposal is different, and depending on the nature of the proposal, further assessment or formal planning advice may still be required.
"We encourage residents and developers to contact our Planning team if they have questions or would like to discuss their proposal before lodging an application," Mr Hovenden added.
The introduction of myLot forms part of Council's ongoing work to make planning and development services easier to understand and access.
