It comes after State Government planning reforms were introduced last month, which mean some planning scheme policies are no longer required.

The changes will remove some requirements for planning permits, make planning permits easier to attain and make it easier for people to understand what is allowed.

 Cr Wayne Rice said planning permit issues were the most difficult part of council.

“Planning department regulations are stifling investment in the shire,” he said. 

“I’m not surprised many people throw their hands in the air and walk away.”

Council will now review its planning scheme amendments and abandon those deemed no longer necessary. 

Planning scheme amendments that will be reviewed include the C7 Halls Gap Valley Floor and the C9 Halls Gap Urban Design Framework Implementation – both of which protect the integrity and character of Halls Gap – and the Triangle Project, which mirrors certain planning controls in the Northern Grampians Shire and the Ararat Rural City to facilitate tourism in Ararat, Halls Gap and Stawell.