Author: Andrew George
Practice area: public order offences
Andrew is a founding Director of Doogue + George, ranked by Doyle's Guide as a Leading Criminal Defence Lawyer in Victoria (2026) and an LIV Accredited Criminal Law Specialist since 1995 with over 30 years of experience across all Victorian courts, tribunals and Royal Commissions. His depth of experience in this area means clients receive accurate, considered advice.
View full profile →Andrew authored this content and last revised it for accuracy on 6 August 2026.
What is the offence of Occupier Land Contravenes Planning Scheme?
This offence arises under section 126(3)(a) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Vic) where a person who occupies land, but is not the owner, carries out development or use that breaches planning controls applying to that land. It targets non-compliance with legally binding planning requirements.
Key points
- Legal basis: Section 126(3)(a) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Vic)
- Prosecution must prove: Occupier status, use or development of land, existence of a section 173 agreement, and contravention of that agreement
- Court: Magistrates’ Court
The maximum penalty for Occupier Land Contravenes Planning Scheme is a fine of up to 1,200 penalty units - $250,920.00 (as at 2026–27), with a further penalty of up to 60 penalty units - $12,546.00 (as at 2026–27) for each day the contravention continues after conviction.
Common defences may include honest and reasonable mistake of belief, lack of intent, and challenging whether the elements are proved beyond reasonable doubt.
Have you been accused of Occupier Land Contravenes Planning Scheme? You should speak with one of our experienced criminal defence lawyers before speaking with the Council. Anything you tell the council investigator may prejudice your defence.
Interview with the local council (the responsible authority)
Have you received correspondence from the local council inviting you to attend for an interview in relation to an alleged breach of a planning scheme?
Prior to commencing a prosecution for the offence of Occupier Land Contravenes Planning Scheme, the local council will consider alternatives to prosecution, such as issuing an official warning or a planning infringement notice. Whether you decide to participate in an interview in relation to the offence, and the way that you answer questions if you do attend for interview, is very important. You should seek expert advice from a criminal lawyer about how best to proceed as soon as you receive an invitation to participate in an interview.
Pleading Not Guilty
Even though the prosecuting authority is a local council, rather than police, the offence of Occupier Land Contravenes Planning Scheme is a criminal proceeding. Offences must be proved to the same standard as any other criminal proceeding – that is, beyond a reasonable doubt.
In order to be found guilty of the offence, there must be sufficient evidence to show that non-compliance has occurred or, in some cases, is going to occur. The evidence must prove the existence of the planning control, any activity contrary to the planning control and the liability facing the person who is the subject of the proposed or existing proceedings. The evidence is often quite complicated.
In order to successfully defend a charge of Occupier Land Contravenes Planning Scheme it is important to engage an expert criminal lawyer to evaluate the evidence, to devise the defence strategy and to represent you at Court.
Pleading Guilty
Have you acted in a way that is contrary to the local planning scheme or a planning permit? Are you intending to plead guilty to the offence of Occupier Land Contravenes Planning Scheme?
An experienced criminal lawyer will work with you to thoroughly prepare your matter for Court. As an expert advocate, your criminal lawyer will also appear on your behalf to explain the circumstances of the offence and your own personal circumstances to the Court. In this way, you will achieve the best possible outcome.
Sentencing
Sentencing in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria
Source: Sentencing Advisory Council of Victoria (SACStat), Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Vic) s 126(3)(a) — 48 charges across 11 cases, Magistrates’ Court, 1 July 2020 – 30 June 2023.
| Outcome | % |
|---|---|
| Fine | 79.2% |
| Discharge/Dismissal | 18.8% |
| Adjourned Undertaking | 2.1% |
The data indicates that this offence is predominantly dealt with through financial penalties, reflecting its regulatory nature. More restrictive sentencing options are not reflected in the statistics. When determining penalty, the court will consider the extent of the breach, any benefit obtained and steps taken to rectify the issue. Early legal advice can assist in resolving the matter effectively.
Which court will the case be heard in?
Cases related to this offence will be heard at the Magistrates’ Courts.
What is the legal definition of Occupier Land Contravenes Planning Scheme?
Planning and Environment Act 1987 – Section 126
- The occupier of any land, is guilty of an offence if—
- the land is used or developed in contravention of a planning scheme, a permit or an agreement under section 1731
Examples of Occupier Land Contravenes Planning Scheme
- Without permission or in contravention of an existing agreement a person subdivides land and begins building a second property.
- A planning scheme is put in place to enhance and maintain natural landscape and character around a proposed development. It is found that waste run off from the renovation is increasing pollution in a nearby river and a public access footpath has been destroyed.
Elements of the offence
The prosecution must establish:
- The accused is not the owner but the occupier of the land;
- The accused used or developed land;
- A section 173 agreement was in existence at the time of the contravention; and
- The works carried out on the land was in contravention of the section 173 agreement.
The decision on whether to plead guilty or not guilty to this charge can best be made only after a careful study of the strengths of your case. Contact a lawyer to assess factors of your case.
Legislation
The legislation for this offence can be found on section 126(3)(a) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
Defences
Defences that are available are honest and reasonable mistake of belief, lack of intent or the concept of beyond reasonable doubt. If the matter is going through VCAT then the standard of proof is to the civil standard which is on the balance of probabilities. There are also differences between rules of evidence in Magistrates’ Court and VCAT matters.
Questions in cases like this
- Is there another avenue that may be more beneficial for both parties than prosecution?
- I have been renting here for as long as I can remember, aren’t I allowed to make any changes I want to?
- I am fairly confident a permit will be certified, is it an issue if I start building extensions now?
Maximum penalty for section 126(3)(a) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987
The offence of Occupier Land Contravenes Planning Scheme (s126(3)(a) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987) carries a fine of up to 1,200 penalty units – $250,920.00 (as at 2026–27) as the highest possible sentence. If the contravention or failure is of a continuing nature, a further penalty of not more than 60 penalty units – $12,546.00 (as at 2026–27) for each continuing day after conviction may be imposed.
Other important resources
FAQ about Occupier Land Contravenes Planning Scheme
What is a section 173 agreement in Victorian planning law?
Can an occupier be charged even if they are not the landowner?
What types of conduct can lead to a planning scheme contravention charge?
Does the contravention need to be ongoing to attract penalties?
What standard of proof applies in these proceedings?
Will council always prosecute a planning scheme breach?
[1] Planning and Environment Act 1987 (VIC) s126
