Horsham Rural City Council

## Horsham Rural City Council Planning Department Analysis **Horsham Rural City Council operates as a measured, conservative planning authority** that prioritizes sustainable growth over rapid development. With 31 years of land supply—double the state requirement—the council is **not under pressure to fast-track approvals** and tends to take a methodical approach to applications. **Processing times are typically longer than metropolitan councils**, reflecting both the rural council's smaller planning team and their thorough assessment approach. Pre-application meetings are encouraged and generally productive, but expect **8-12 weeks minimum** for straightforward residential applications, with complex proposals often extending to 16+ weeks. **Common delays include vegetation assessments** in areas near the Grampians, heritage considerations in central Horsham, and referrals to CFA for bushfire-prone locations. The department is **under-resourced compared to growth councils** but maintains experienced staff who know the local context well. **Strategically, the council strongly favors infill development** in Horsham, Natimuk, and Haven over greenfield expansion. Applications supporting their **social and affordable housing targets** (650 new homes needed) receive favorable consideration. Rural applications face **strict scrutiny regarding agricultural land protection** and landscape character preservation, particularly around Grampians tourism areas.