# Categories and Standards
# Categories
BESS Subdivisions categories are displayed in the project sidebar and include Site Layout and Liveability, Integrated Water Management etc. Each category contains a number of standards relevant to the planning scheme objectives and to the type and scale of project.
# Standards
Each category contains standards. Standards contribute points toward the category outcome.
# Relevant Victorian Planning Provisions
Each standard is linked to relevant Victoria Planning Provisions (VPP) to highlight the baseline planning scheme provisions applicable to the standards.
These are largely Clause 56 residential subdivision clauses of relevance, however, where there are gaps in Clause 56, other policy provisions may be referenced. Further references to legislation and other relevant considerations are included in the tool notes for each standard where relevant.
# Response
Standards have a number of different response options.
| Response option | Application |
|---|---|
| Better Practice | Applies for most standards. The baseline that projects need to target unless a council specifies otherwise. |
| Excellence | A higher performance available for some standards. Some standards are Excellence-only. |
| Alternative approach | A Better Practice standard should normally be met. However, an alternative approach that meets the objective may be considered by council. Where this response option is selected, a description of the alternative approach must be provided. The standard is awarded in the tool at the minimum level available. The acceptance of any proposed alternative approach is subject to assessment by council. |
| Overlying strategy | Select this response option when the requirements in an overarching strategy (such as a Precinct Structure Plan, Structure Plan, or Development Plan) means it is not possible to meet the standard. When this response option is selected, the standard is not awarded. The reason (overlying strategy) is highlighted in the report. |
| No - does not meet the standard | It is expected that as a baseline, all Better Practice standards will be addressed unless the council specifies otherwise. When this response option is selected, this highlights opportunities for sustainability improvements. |
| Not Applicable | Available as a response option for a limited number of standards. These are highly context specific and will not apply to all subdivisions. |
# Documentation
When a Better Practice or Excellence standard is answered, 'Documentation' becomes is populated with the evidence that should be shown in/on key subdivision documents (for example the Landscape Plan or the Functional Layout Plan). If this is already complete, this checkbox can be ticked and a comment provided (optional).
The BESS report provides a summary of this checklist organised by document, e.g. all evidence to be shown on the Landscape Plan. Use the tool notes for further guidance and examples for each standard.