Why hire a town planner?

Hiring a town planner is essential for a smoother, more efficient development process. We possess deep knowledge of local regulations, helping you navigate complex Council and zoning requirements. Additionally, we can optimise your project's design, mitigate potential issues, and save you time and money by avoiding costly mistakes. Our expertise ensures your project aligns with the relevant local requirements to ensure a smooth approval process.

How can a town planner help with my project?

We can help you navigate the complex local council requirements. With our vast experience across a number of sectors, we can put you in touch with the right people and consultants to get things across the line. We can help you optimise your design and make you aware of any potential hurdles and how to best present your project to Council for the highest chances of success.

What is the difference between town planning and project management?

As town planning consultants, we can assist you in the town planning side of things with planning advice, reports, lodgements of applications etc. however we do not generally get involved with project management. While we can put you in touch with recommended consultants along the way (traffic engineers, architects, acoustic engineers, BCA consultants, certifiers, access consultants etc.), someone will need to manage the project.

How fast can I get council approval?

This can vary depending on the complexity of the project and relevant local government area. For a simple signage application, you could be looking at a 2-3 week turnaround, compared to 6 months plus for a complex application or an application in a local government area that has a high number of applications. Due to the number of variables, feel free to get in touch with us and we will be able to provide a rough indicative ETA based on our experience with similar projects.

What costs are involved?

Our consultancy fees vary depending on the complexity / scale of a project and the area it is located in. Please get in touch with us for a fee proposal. Council fees for lodgements of applications vary depending on the scale or cost of works.

What is the difference between a planning permit, development application, planning consent etc.?

Terminology of planning approvals varies state by state as follows:

  • VIC: Planning Permit
  • NSW: Development Application
  • QLD: Development Application
  • SA: Planning Consent
  • TAS: Planning Permit
  • WA: Development Approval
  • NT: Development Permit
  • ACT: Development Application

Generally what documents are required for a planning application?

While this varies from project to project, state to state, and council to council, generally speaking the following is required:

  • Architectural plans
  • Owners consent
  • Estimated cost of works
  • Planning report
  • Specialist reports / supporting documents (traffic report, acoustic report, waste management plan, heritage report, energy assessments, landscape plans, etc.)
  • Materials / finishes schedule

What does the general process of a planning application look like?

While this varies from project to project, state to state, and council to council, generally speaking the following is the general process:

  • Lodgement to Council
  • Council receive application, issue fee quote if all information is provided / satisfactory, otherwise return the DA lodgement / issue lodgement RFI
  • Once fees paid, application becomes formally lodged
  • Initial assessment (brief) and notification (usually 2 weeks)
  • Internal referrals (landscaping, engineering, environmental, etc.)
  • Any submissions / objections reviewed and if necessary, we prepare a response for Council to include in their assessment
  • Detailed assessment completed
  • Council issue a Request for Further Information (RFI) if issues / concerns or more information is required
  • RFI Response Letter prepared and RFI responded to
  • Provided all is satisfactory, Council move to complete final assessment
  • Application undergoes internal peer review / co-ordinator sign off
  • Application approved, issued by planning admin