Insights / Construction
When do you need a construction management plan?
When the planning permit says so, or the council's local law asks for one. Each council sets its own triggers and its own template.
Short answer: a permit condition or the local law.
A Construction Management Plan (CMP) sets out how the works will be run so their impact on neighbours, roads and footpaths is managed. Councils ask for one in two ways: as a condition on the planning permit, or under their local law before building work starts.
How four councils trigger it.
City of Melbourne
A CMP is needed if the works will take four weeks or longer and could disrupt road users, involve excavation below the roadway or footpath, or include demolition that needs public space or could affect public safety. Also when the council asks in writing, or the planning permit requires it.
Boroondara
Lists projects with 10 or more dwellings, buildings of 3 or more storeys, significant site excavation, and construction on a main road. The requirement is listed as a condition of the planning permit, and the plan goes in before construction starts.
Merri-bek
Section 10 of its General Local Law 2018: at least 48 hours written notice before starting building works other than minor works, with a CMP if requested, approved before works start.
Yarra
Its CMP application is stage-based: demolition, earthworks or construction, signed by the company in control of the site.
What a CMP covers.
The City of Melbourne's Code of Practice for Building, Construction and Works sets these topics, and its CMP page adds traffic management:
- Public safety, amenity and site security.
- Permitted hours of building work.
- Noise and vibration controls.
- Air and dust management.
- Stormwater and sediment control.
- Waste and materials reuse.
- Traffic management.
Boroondara adds hazardous material removal, protection of council assets, trees, and a contact number displayed on the site perimeter. Yarra's checklist asks for a site plan, dilapidation report, noise and vibration plan, construction traffic management plan, and permits such as work zones and vehicle crossings.
Allow time for council review.
Allow for council review before work starts. Boroondara says usually within 4 weeks; Merri-bek asks for a minimum lead time of a month. An approved plan can only be changed with council consent, and everyone on site has to follow it.
Sources: City of Melbourne, Construction management plans and Building guidelines and laws; Boroondara City Council; Merri-bek City Council CMP; Yarra City Council CMP application. General information, not an assessment of any particular site.
Common questions
Who prepares the construction management plan?
The builder or the party in control of the site is responsible for it.
The City of Melbourne puts it on the builder, principal contractor or works manager, and Yarra's form is signed by the company in control of the site.
Does a two-townhouse job need a CMP?
It depends on the council and the permit.
Check the planning permit conditions first, then the council's local law.
Merri-bek, for example, can request one with the notice before any building works other than minor works.
When does the CMP have to be approved?
Before works start.
The City of Melbourne and Boroondara both expect it before construction, and Merri-bek's local law says it must be approved before building works commence.
Is a CMP the same as a traffic management plan?
No.
A traffic management plan is usually one part of the CMP, alongside hours, noise, dust, stormwater, waste and site safety.
Need a Construction Management Plan?
For builders and developers with a CMP condition on the planning permit: written to your council’s own template, within 72 hours.
Which reports does my job need?
The usual list, from each council’s planning scheme and website.
Step 2: a quote or fee proposal for this list. Name and email are enough; the drawings can come later.
Get a price for this listOr call 0470 389 168Tell us about the project.
A quick quote from your plans, before any work starts.
Quick quote from your plans. Planning and residential reports within 48 hours; Section J, CMP and GTP within 72 hours.
Start here
See which reports your job needs, then get the quote for that list.
- What will it cost?
- A quick quote from your plans, before any work starts.
- Will council accept it?
- Every report is written to the council’s own policy or the NCC edition that applies.
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