Expert Town Planning Services: Your Path to Development Success
Planshop is a specialist in navigating the often-daunting world of town planning to get your development projects – whether it’s a commercial, community, or retail building – over the line with the minimum of fuss and maximum compliance. Our experienced team of planners work in seamless harmony with our design team to make sure your project ticks all the regulatory boxes and also takes into account the bigger economic picture when it comes to planning and approvals. We keep a close eye on social, environmental and community needs at every stage of the planning process to create outcomes that are sustainable and genuinely beneficial to the community.
Our planners aren’t just any old professionals – they’ve got the training and expertise that comes from studying and working in the field of urban planning, so you can be sure you’re getting expert guidance every step of the way.
Our Town Planning Services
Development Applications (DA) – Let us Guide You Through the Maze
We prepare and manage comprehensive Development Applications, which include:
- Full DA documentation and submission: we’ll walk you through the process and make sure you’re getting everything right before sending it off to council
- Council liaison and negotiation: we know how to deal with even the trickiest land use and data issues
- Responding to requests for more information from the council: we know how to handle these and get the process moving again
- Presenting your case at council meetings: we’ve been there before
- Making sure you comply with all the conditions of approval once your project is underway
Complying Development Certificates (CDC) – Speed Up Your Approval Process
If your project is eligible, we can fast-track your approvals through the CDC pathway:
- We assess whether your project qualifies for CDC
- We prepare the complete CDC application for you
- We take care of all the certification and coordination
- And if you’re lucky, we can even lodge your application on the same day
Planning Assessments & Reports – All the Documentation You Need
Our team delivers all the planning documentation you need, which is backed by the latest research and planning theory and includes a thorough analysis of all the relevant resources. This includes:
- Statements of Environmental Effects (SEE)
- Clause 4.6 Variations for development standard departures
- BASIX certificates and energy efficiency assessments
- Shadow diagrams and view impact analysis
- Streetscape and massing studies
Heritage Planning – Specialist Knowledge of Sydney’s Heritage-Rich Inner Suburbs
We’ve got the specialist knowledge and expertise to help with all your heritage planning needs, particularly in Sydney’s inner suburbs. This includes:
- Heritage Impact Statements
- Conservation Management Plans
- Heritage interpretation strategies
- Adaptive reuse proposals
- Liaising with the Heritage Council
Planning Policy and Regulations – The Rules of the Game
Planning policy and regulations are what underpin effective town planning, guiding how our cities, towns and communities grow and thrive. In Australia, this is overseen by the planning institute, the Australian Government and state bodies like the NSW Government. They make sure our planning systems are robust and responsive to the needs of people and the environment. These regulations govern land use, infrastructure development and environmental management, providing a clear framework for town planners and professionals to work within. For instance, the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) in NSW sets out the rules for development, ensuring that projects are in the public interest and meet community priorities. Navigating these regulations is an art that requires deep knowledge and experience, as planners have to balance the demands of development with the need to protect the environment and support sustainable growth. By working within these planning policies, Planshop helps clients achieve their goals while contributing to the long-term health and prosperity of cities, towns and regions across Australia.
Environmental Considerations in Town Planning – Putting People and Planet First
Environmental management is at the heart of modern town planning, where development must support both people and the planet. Our town planners play a vital role in integrating resource management and climate change mitigation into every stage of the planning process. This means carefully assessing the environmental impacts of new developments and implementing strategies to promote sustainability. Urban planning now routinely incorporates green infrastructure such as parks, green corridors and sustainable drainage systems to enhance community well-being and manage challenges like stormwater and urban heat. We also encourage the use of energy-efficient building designs and renewable energy solutions to reduce carbon footprints. By prioritising these environmental considerations, Planshop helps create vibrant, resilient communities and towns that are prepared for the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Community Engagement and Participation – More Than Just a Tick in a Box
Successful planning is built on strong community engagement and participation. Our town planners know that the best outcomes come when the voices of the community are heard and valued throughout the planning process. At Planshop, we facilitate meaningful engagement through public meetings surveys and digital platforms, making sure every development reflects the needs and aspirations of the people it will serve. This collaborative approach not only builds trust but also leads to plans and projects that genuinely benefit the community and serve the public interest. By fostering open dialogue and encouraging feedback, we help create inclusive, responsive planning processes that result in better places for everyone.
Why Choose Planshop for Town Planning
We Integrate Design & Planning from Day One – No Stands-Alone Planning Here
Unlike other planning consultants, we integrate town planning from day one of your design process, so you get:
- Designs that are optimised for approval, incorporating urban design principles in the planning process
- Fewer costly design revisions
- Faster overall project timelines
- And a single point of contact for all your design and planning needs
Local Council Expertise – We Know the Rules and the Players
We’ve got strong working relationships with councils across Sydney, and have experience with regional planning projects, especially with:
- Inner West Council
- City of Sydney
- Woollahra Council
- Waverley Council
- Northern Beaches Council
Our deep understanding of local planning controls and council preferences increases your approval chances and reduces assessment timeframes.
Our Planning Process: How We Make It Happen
1. Initial Consult & Site Scouting
First off, we take a good hard look at your site and your planning options, figuring out what works and what doesn’t under the current rules and regulations.
2. Planning Roadmap
Next, we sit down with you to work out the best route to get the planning approval you need – whether that’s a CDC, DA or something else entirely.
3. Bringing It All Together
Our planners team up with our designers to make sure the design and public spaces work in harmony, while keeping an eye on compliance and making the most of your development potential.
4. Paperwork & Submissions
We’ll sort out all the necessary documents and see your application through to the council, making sure everything is above board.
5. Navigating Assessment
When the council starts looking into your application, we’re right there to answer their questions, respond to any requirements and keep things moving.
6. Approval – Now What?
Once you’ve got the green light, we can help you get the construction certificates and deal with any changes you need to make after the approval.
Pricing Structure That Works for You
Our prices are competitive and upfront, so you know exactly where you stand. Here’s what you can expect:
- Fixed-fee proposals that take the guesswork out of costs
- Payment options that let you split the costs into manageable stages
- No surprises – we tell you upfront if you need any more work done
- We tailor our fees to your project, so you don’t pay a penny more than you need to
Planning for the Future – And the Trends That Come with It
The future of town planning is a complex thing, with climate change, new tech and changing community needs all coming into play. To stay ahead of the curve, we use data and innovative thinking to create cities and towns that are not just sustainable but adaptable. We’re all about embracing new ideas and fresh approaches – and using them to help our clients build great futures. By using community input and data-driven planning, we create solutions that address the challenges of today and start tackling the opportunities of tomorrow.
What Our Clients Say
Our clients’ successes are a testament to the hard work and expertise of our town planners. We work with all sorts of clients – from householders and developers to government agencies and community groups – and help them through every stage of the planning process. Here’s what a few of them have said about their experience with us:
“Planshop’s planners were a godsend – they guided us through the whole development application process and helped us navigate the complex planning rules. We wouldn’t have made it without them.” – John, Property Developer
“The team at Planshop were responsive, helpful and genuinely passionate about what they do. They helped us find a planning solution that really worked for us – and we’d work with them again in a heartbeat.” – Sarah, Homeowner
By consistently delivering top-notch planning services and genuinely understanding our clients’ needs, we’ve built a reputation as one of the go-to planning firms in NSW and beyond.
Get Moving
Planning setbacks shouldn’t get in the way of your development dreams. Get in touch with the Planshop’s team of experts for:
- A free initial sit-down to get your planning underway
- A fixed-fee proposal that gives you total peace of mind
- Realistic timelines and a clear path to approval
- No nonsense – just expert advice and guidance from people who really know their stuff