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Category: solar and renewables

Renewable Energy Projects in NSW: How Solar Farms and BESS (battery storage) Get Approved

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.

TOWN PLANNING AND HERITAGE KNOWLEDGE & INSIGHTS

Town Planning & Heritage insights, guides and resources

Practical advice, industry insights and easy-to-understand guides covering town planning, development approvals, heritage and the NSW planning system. Explore our latest articles and resources to help you better understand the development process.

How Much Does a Heritage Impact Statement Cost? | NSW Guide

Not sure how much a Heritage Impact Statement costs? This guide explains typical fees, what influences pricing and when an HIS may be required for your project.

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What is a Statement of Environmental Effects? | NSW Guide

Learn what a Statement of Environmental Effects (SoEE) is, when it’s required, what it should include and how it supports Development Applications across NSW.

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Renewable Energy Projects in NSW: How Solar Farms and BESS (battery storage) Get Approved

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.

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Town Planning and Heritage Reports delivered within 2 weeks

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.

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Queen Victoria Building – Heritage Impact Statement – Shop Fit Out – Heritage Listed Building

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.

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Rozelle Tram Depot – Forest Lodge – Heritage Listed Building

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.

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Heritage Conservation Area – “The Spot” – Randwick Council

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.

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Pre-purchase Town Planning Feasibility Report

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.

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Heritage conservation area – Heritage Impact Statements

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.

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Statement of Environmental Effects

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.

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Clause 4.6 – Variations to development standards (Minimum lot size, height, FSR)

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.

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Crime Prevention through environmental design (CPTED Reports)

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.

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Review of Environmental Factors

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.

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Change of use Development Application for heritage items

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.

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Objection Report – Battery Storage Facility – Mount Fox Queensland

We recently prepared an objection letter to a Queensland Council on behalf of local residents of Mount Fox regarding a battery farm for a solar panel project. The battery farm was in an ecological area with concerns regard bushfire and clearing of native vegetation.

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Dual Occupancy on the Sydney Northern Beaches

Dual occupancy on the Northern Beaches is in demand and we take the time to explain where you should look and the limitations to obtaining a development application for dual occupancy on the Northern Beaches. We explain the different zoning requirements across the three Local Environmental Plans (Manly, Warringah and Pittwater) and give you some inside information on development.

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Town Planning for sex services (brothel)

How do you gain approval for sex services (brothel)? We discuss selecting a site, the development application process for Council approval and how to overcome the issues with the approval process.

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Chicken Farm (Poultry Farm) approvals

Are you looking at chicken farming? Get the experience of a town planning firm that has assisted many farmers obtain their approvals. We provide details on how to obtain approval for your poultry farm!

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Change of use for the fitness industry – recreational facilities (indoor)

How to gain approval for a gym, personal training, yoga studio, pilates studio or any development within the fitness industry. We take you through what to look for for a site and what is required with to lodge a development application.

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How to Write a Development Objection Letter | NSW Guide

Received notice of a neighbour Development Application? Learn how to prepare an effective planning objection, identify valid planning concerns and present your submission clearly to Council.

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Outsource your town planning reports – A case study with a drafting firm

A case study of the benefits of outsourcing your town planning services to a qualified and competent consultant such as The Planning Collective. We can write your statement of environmental effects and other reports or lodge your development applications.

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Town Planning Collective

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.

Planning & Heritage Services

  • Heritage impact statements
  • Heritage Advice
  • Statement of Environmental Effects
  • Crime Risk Reports
  • Pre-purchase reports
  • Rezoning Applications
  • Development objection letters

Service Areas

  • Sydney NSW

  • Greater Sydney

  • Regional New South Wales

Contact Us

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