Town Planning Collective is a boutique town planning and heritage consultancy providing expert, affordable heritage reports and planning advice for every client, from homeowners to developers. We believe that building or renovating in a heritage area shouldn’t be cost-prohibitive. Our goal is to make heritage compliance simple, accessible, and affordable for quality developments across Sydney and NSW.
With over 15 years of experience in town planning and heritage consulting, our team prepares detailed Heritage Impact Statements, heritage advice reports, and development application support for projects throughout New South Wales and Queensland. We pride ourselves on a practical, solutions-based approach, thinking outside the box to achieve approvals where others can’t.
Our heritage consultants understand Council legislation, local planning controls, and the intricacies of the DA process. Whether your site is a heritage-listed property or within a Heritage Conservation Area, we’ll provide clear, expert advice to help you gain Council approval faster.
Every Council area has its own unique history, reflected in its heritage items and conservation precincts. Our team has extensive experience preparing Heritage Impact Statements and reports for projects across Sydney and regional NSW, including work on notable sites such as the Queen Victoria Building, Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylons, and the Rozelle Tramsheds.
If you need a Heritage Impact Statement or advice on a heritage-listed property, contact our experienced consultants today.
Email: admin@theplanningcollective.com.au or fill out the contact form below for a fast quote.
Town Planning Collective helps you move your project forward with confidence.
Fill out the form below to get a quote or contact us about your project.
Heritage impact statements (listed heritage items)
Heritage impact statements (heritage conservation areas)
Heritage advice
Heritage exemption letters
Town Planning Services including statement of environmental effects
Our expert town planners and heritage consultants streamline the approval process — saving you time, money, and stress while ensuring your project meets Council’s heritage and planning requirements.
Our planners can coordinate the entire development process — from preparing documentation to liaising with Council and consultants — ensuring your project stays on track and receives approval as efficiently as possible.
With years of experience working directly with Councils across NSW, we understand local planning controls and approval pathways. This insider knowledge helps streamline your application and avoid unnecessary setbacks.
We recently assisted a client with their development application for alterations and additions to a semi-detached dwelling on Stewart Street, within “The Spot” Heritage Conservation Area under Randwick Council. Our team prepared a Heritage Impact Statement and Statement of Environmental Effects, streamlining the approval process and helping the client save time and money.
The proposal included a first-floor addition that expanded the home from 2.5 to 4 bedrooms with two living areas, allowing the family to grow while continuing to enjoy life in a heritage-rich neighbourhood.
To maintain the heritage character of Stewart Street, the new upper level was set back behind the existing roof ridge, preserving the original façade and roof form. This sensitive approach ensured the addition blended seamlessly into the streetscape while respecting the area’s heritage values.
Our understanding of Council heritage controls and the existing built form allowed us to demonstrate that the proposal was consistent with other sympathetic additions in the area, ultimately resulting in a smooth and successful approval.
To read more about the project visit the more detailed case study here.
If you’re planning a renovation or addition within a Heritage Conservation Area, engaging Town Planning Collective early can help you save costs, reduce delays, and achieve approval faster.
Fill out the form below to get a quote or contact us about your project.
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.
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.
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.
Are you looking at purchasing a property and want to know what you can do with the site? Or maybe you already own a property and want to know how you can maximise the site. We can assist with a preliminary town planning report to determine what is permissible within your zoning.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Development objection letters are a source of pain and confusion for many home owners. Have you received a notification in the mail about a development application and want to write a submission. We outline some steps to help you prepare a Council development application objection letter and be successful for changes to the DA or even Refusal! Learn how to review the plans, ask for more time and put together a simple, cohesive objection letter.
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.
Below are some recent examples of projects we provided town planning or heritage consultancy support.
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.
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.
Our clients are what makes us come to work every day and do the work we do. If love your job, you will never work a day in your life, and that is the mentality that we try to live by. Below are some examples of some happy customers who have willingly provided some testimonials.
Fill out the form to talk with one of our expert team members about your project.
Boarding Houses
Complying Development Audits
Dual Occupancies
Development Objection Letters
Development Applications
Development Feasibility Report
Pre Purchase Planning Reports
Rezoning Applications
Statement of Environmental Effects
Rural Dwelling Applications
Clause 4.6 Reports
Waste Management Plans
Safer By Design Assessments
Change of Use Applications
Sydney Areas
Town Planning – Campbelltown
Town Planning – Canada Bay
Town Planning – Georges River
Town Planning – Central Coast
Town Planning – Hornsby
Town Planning – Ku-ring-gai
Town Planning – Inner West
Town Planning – Northern Beaches
Town Planning – North Sydney
Town Planning – Blacktown
Town Planning – Parramatta
Town Planning – Hills Shire
Town Planning – Waverley
Town Planning – Sydney
Town Planning – Ryde
Town Planning – Wollongong
Town Planning – Woollahra
Town Planning – Mosman
Town Planning – Randwick
Town Planning – Cumberland
Newcastle – Hunter Valley
Town Planning – Newcastle
Town Planning – Maitland
Town Planning – Cessnock
Town Planning – Singleton
Town Planning – Dungog
Town Planning – Lake Macquarie
Town Planning – Port Stephens
Regional NSW
Town Planning –Mid North Coast
Town Planning – Ballina
Town Planning – Byron Bay
Town Planning – Wagga Wagga
Town Planning – Tweed
Town Planning – Dubbo
Town Planning – Parkes
Town Planning – Armidale
Town Planning – Tamworth
Town Planning – Coffs Harbour
Town Planning – Snowy Mountains
Town Planning – Yass Valley
Sydney Areas
Statement of Environmental Effects – Campbelltown
Statement of Environmental Effects – Canada Bay
Statement of Environmental Effects – Georges River
Statement of Environmental Effects – Central Coast
Statement of Environmental Effects – Hornsby
Statement of Environmental Effects – Ku-ring-gai
Statement of Environmental Effects – Inner West
Statement of Environmental Effects – Northern Beaches
Statement of Environmental Effects – North Sydney
Statement of Environmental Effects – Blacktown
Statement of Environmental Effects – Parramatta
Statement of Environmental Effects – Hills Shire
Statement of Environmental Effects – Waverley
Statement of Environmental Effects – Sydney
Statement of Environmental Effects – Ryde
Statement of Environmental Effects – Wollongong
Statement of Environmental Effects – Woollahra
Statement of Environmental Effects – Mosman
Statement of Environmental Effects – Randwick
Statement of Environmental Effects – Cumberland
Newcastle – Hunter Valley
Statement of Environmental Effects – Newcastle
Statement of Environmental Effects – Maitland
Statement of Environmental Effects – Cessnock
Statement of Environmental Effects – Singleton
Statement of Environmental Effects – Dungog
Statement of Environmental Effects – Lake Macquarie
Statement of Environmental Effects – Port Stephens
Regional NSW
Statement of Environmental Effects –Mid North Coast
Statement of Environmental Effects – Ballina
Statement of Environmental Effects – Byron Bay
Statement of Environmental Effects – Wagga Wagga
Statement of Environmental Effects – Tweed
Statement of Environmental Effects – Dubbo
Statement of Environmental Effects – Parkes
Statement of Environmental Effects – Armidale
Statement of Environmental Effects – Tamworth
Statement of Environmental Effects – Coffs Harbour
Statement of Environmental Effects – Snowy Mountains
Statement of Environmental Effects – Yass Valley
Sydney Areas
Heritage Impact Statement – Blacktown
Heritage Impact Statement – Campbelltown
Heritage Impact Statement – Canterbury Bankstown
Heritage Impact Statement – Canada Bay
Heritage Impact Statement – Central Coast
Heritage Impact Statement – Georges River
Heritage Impact Statement – Hills Shire
Heritage Impact Statement – Hornsby
Heritage Impact Statement – Ku-ring-gai
Heritage Impact Statement – Inner West
Heritage Impact Statement – Mosman
Heritage Impact Statement – Northern Beaches
Heritage Impact Statement – North Sydney
Heritage Impact Statement – Northern Suburbs
Heritage Impact Statement – Parramatta
Heritage Impact Statement – Randwick
Heritage Impact Statement – Ryde
Heritage Impact Statement – Sydney
Heritage Impact Statement – Waverley
Heritage Impact Statement – Wollondilly
Heritage Impact Statement – Woollahra
Heritage Impact Statement – Wollongong
Newcastle – Hunter Valley
Heritage Impact Statement – Newcastle
Heritage Impact Statement – Maitland
Heritage Impact Statement – Cessnock
Heritage Impact Statement – Singleton
Heritage Impact Statement – Dungog
Heritage Impact Statement – Lake Macquarie
Heritage Impact Statement – Port Stephens
Regional NSW
Heritage Impact Statement –Mid North Coast
Heritage Impact Statement – Ballina
Heritage Impact Statement – Byron Bay
Heritage Impact Statement – Wagga Wagga
Heritage Impact Statement – Tweed
Heritage Impact Statement – Dubbo
Heritage Impact Statement – Parkes
Heritage Impact Statement – Armidale
Heritage Impact Statement – Tamworth
Heritage Impact Statement – Coffs Harbour
Heritage Impact Statement – Snowy Mountains
Heritage Impact Statement – Yass
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