One of the top 10 enquiries we receive is from future clients who are wanting to know what they can and can’t do on a particular property. Normally the client has an idea of what they would like to do ie. a dual occupancy or a multi dwelling housing complex, and other times it is from a property owner wanting to know if they could subdivide. During our initial phone conversation we offer some preliminary advice and where we feel it is beneficial for our client, we offer them the option of a Planning Feasibility Assessment, or what is referred to by other Planning Firms as a Preliminary Planning Assessment.
We have received many enquiries from future clients that have had these Preliminary Planning Assessments completed by another planning firm and have come to us as the information and quality of the document that was provided for the price was not sufficient.
Our Planning Feasibility Assessments are an assessment of the site against an idea of the client. This idea is often one of the following:
Another common feasibility enquiry is from businesses or developers wanting to know where land is suitable for industrial development or for other large scale developments.
The feasibility assessment identifies whether the development is permissible under the Local Environmental Plan or any other relevant Environmental Planning Instrument, and whether there are any potential hazards or controls that may affect development.
It has come to our attention recently that some other planning firms provide Planning Feasibility Assessments (referred to as Preliminary Planning Assessments) as if they were a mandatory document before undertaking any development. The reports are targeted at unsure and uninformed “mum and dad” developers and take advantage of the client. These planning firms will often promote the report as the first step in obtaining approval, but the resultant report that is provided is usually a cut and paste document from FREE government Planning resources such as NSW Planning Portal and the NSW Legislation website. The document does not provide clear options for the site or any physical planning assessment by the writer of the report. These reports often cost the client close to $2000!
When you receive our Planning Feasibility Report for your property you will know exactly whether you development is permissible and what the liklihood of approval from Council would be. That being said, the planning system is very subjective but our opinion is based on industry knowledge and research into other similar developments within the area.
It should be noted that the fee for our feasibility assessments is generally under $800 and provide a thorough assessment of the development potential for a site. Additionally we provide post feasibility services where we offer questions and advice in relation to the feasibility reports.
Before committing to a Preliminary Planning Assessment from a rival town planning firm please give us a call. We will let you know if one is required or if we can help you with a phone call or an email and save you money and time.
If you are wanting a Planning Feasibility Assessment then please contact us as well. We are always willing to help our clients achieve their development dreams!
Solar farms and battery storage (BESS) developments are rapidly expanding across rural NSW. This guide explains how these projects are approved, key planning constraints, and the role of a town planner in the process.
Lodged your DA and Council now wants a Heritage Impact Statement? If you’ve missed a heritage report in NSW, acting quickly is critical. We specialise in urgent, council-ready Heritage Impact Statements — often delivered within 48 hours. Here’s how to fix it fast and keep your project moving.
On average our statement of environmental effects and heritage impacts statements are delivered within two weeks of acceptance (or final plans). We pride ourselves on our fast delivery of expert technical reports for development applications. This fast turn around saves our clients time and money to get their DAs approved faster.
A Heritage Impact Statement (HIS) explains how proposed works may affect the heritage significance of a property or area. Learn when you need one and how to prepare an HIS that supports your development application in NSW.
We have been engaged for many development applications for change of use and other developments within the Queen Victoria Building. The site is a state heritage listed property that has a wonderful history. We have provided heritage impact statements for the fit out and change of use for stores within the building as any works within the historic building require development approval from Council.
Heritage impact statements can be expensive. We understand that this report can sometimes be the most expensive report for a development application. We go into detail of what goes into the report and how you can minimise your costs to obtain a HIS.
We have been engaged for many development applications for change of use and other developments within the Tramsheds complex at Forest Lodge. The site is a heritage listed property that has undergone substantial rejuvenation to turn a once dilapidated building into a thriving retail/food destination.
We recently worked on a project within “The Spot”, a heritage conservation area within Randwick Council. The project was for alterations and additions to an existing semi-detached dwelling. We give some information about the project and how we assisted our clients with their development application.
Property developers best friend is knowledge! Make an informed decision on your next property purchase by getting a pre-purchase feasibility report for as little as $400. Determine whether you can subdivide a site, building a duplex or a town house development before making an offer on the site.
Planning a renovation within a heritage conservation area? We talk about the requirements and what you can and can’t do without approval. Find out what is required with any development application and the process with heritage conservation areas and how to obtain approval with our help.
The statement of environmental effects is the most important report for a development application with Council. It is the cornerstone of any good development application and provides details of the development and an assessment of the compliance of the proposal against the relevant legislation and development controls (LEP and DCP). A good statement of environmental effects can make the difference between an approval or a refusal and can streamline the timeframe of the process.
Where a development doesn’t comply with the LEP development standard (such as minimum lot size, height of building and Floor Space Ratio) a variation to the development standard can be sought through the inclusion of a clause 4.6 report. We provide details regarding the report and where a variation might be appropriate.
Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a crime prevention strategy that focuses on the planning, design and structure of cities and neighbourhoods. We discuss the principles of CPTED that are required to be assessed in any Crime Risk Reports for development applications.
Review of Environmental Factors State Environmental Planning Policy (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021 allows schools, TAFE and Universities to obtain approval for developments without requiring Council Development Application approval. We explain the process and what types of development can be achieved without Council approval.
Change of use and fitouts for cafes, shops etc within heritage buildings or conservation areas require Council approval. Find out what is required with any development application to obtain your approval and start operating.
Town Planning Collective is a professional town planning and heritage consulting practice providing expert advice and approval support for development applications across Sydney and New South Wales. We specialise in navigating local planning controls, heritage requirements, and council approval processes for residential and small-scale developments.
Sydney NSW
Greater Sydney
Regional New South Wales
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