# 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
The information you enter in Project Details determines which standards apply to your project. For example, some standards only apply to large / very large subdivisions, or others only apply where there is a public realm.
The performance levels available may be Better Practice, Excellence or both - indicated by the leaf icons next to each standard on the page and in the sidebar.
| Standard | Not Answered / Not Achieved | Achieved - Better Practice | Achieved - Excellence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Better Practice only |  |  | |
| Excellence only |  |  | |
| Better Practice & Excellence |  |  |  |
# 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
In addition to Better Practice and Excellence (also included here), the possible response options are:
| Response option | Application | Standard awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Better Practice | Applies for most standards. The baseline that projects need to target unless a council specifies otherwise. | Better Practice |
| Excellence | A higher performance available for some standards. Some standards are Excellence-only. | Excellence |
| 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 acceptance of any proposed alternative approach is subject to assessment by council | Minimum level available (usually Better Practice) |
| 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. | None. Standard removed from the available total. |
| 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. | None. Standard removed from the available total. |
| Not targeting Better Practice or Excellence | 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. | None |
# 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.