We specialise in the delivery of planning approvals for a full range of urban and regional projects. Assisting from initial review through to the preparation of applications, and appeal where necessary, our planning reports are thorough and represent our clients’ interests in a way that is compelling.

With established government and stakeholder networks, we anticipate key challenges and apply tailored problem-solving and strategy techniques to minimise risk and maximise value.

We often compile project teams from a pool of trusted allied professions and can also draw on our Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, engagement and Media teams where required.

Our depth of knowledge and range of specialists provide us with strong skills in strategic planning at local, regional, state, and national levels. We understand the longevity of strategic planning decisions and the importance of getting it right. Our knowledge of the planning system and planning issues enables us to achieve implementable planning strategies inclusive of robust and dynamic implementation plans.

We offer experience and expertise in the preparation of planning reports to lodge and coordinate rezoning requests. With offices in regional and metropolitan areas, we are at the forefront of major policy changes, and we are expertly placed to advise on planning processes and pathways.

Often the value that is added to a development site has its genesis in the pre-planning phase. We recognise the importance of providing accurate, realistic, and timely feasibility advice to clients as part of their due diligence processes.

We are particularly skilled at understanding future changes to the planning scheme and we are expert in assisting clients in avoiding unwanted surprises. Our clients find our preliminary planning advice invaluable in understanding the development potential of a property and in deciding whether or not to proceed with an acquisition or project.

We provide evidence and advocacy services for Planning Panels, Tribunals and other advisory committee forums. Our team of independent planning experts is regularly recommended to review and critique development proposals to establish the likelihood of success at appeal. Where matters are not able to be settled, our experts offer independent opinions to appeal bodies including panels and tribunals to inform decision-making and planning policy.

As planning advocates, we coordinate, prepare and deliver submissions that draw on our understanding of statutory planning systems, planning policy, and case law to best represent our clients’ cases. Our full range of services in this area includes initial filing, representation at directions hearings and mediations, advice on the engagement of experts, review of expert statements, and general coordination.

Having unlocked some of Australia’s most significant sites through development plans, our multidisciplinary services position us in the vanguard of the development plan preparation and approval process.

Typically supported by our Urban Design and Landscape Architecture inputs, our development plans range from simple plan-based documents to detailed strategic reports supported by a range of key inputs to suit the needs of the project. We deliver development plans and head provisions that are feasible, deliverable, and flexible to adapt to changing market needs and emerging technologies while integrating with and enhancing existing communities.

We prepare and coordinate the approval of precinct structure plans (PSPs) to facilitate the delivery of high-quality master planned communities. We work closely with developers and authorities to achieve cost-efficient PSPs that are responsive to local and regional aspirations and deliver a strong sense of place.

We advise clients throughout the approval process and coordinate the preparation of supporting materials such as Servicing Plans; Infrastructure or Development Contribution Plans and Native Vegetation Precinct Plans.

At the interface of strategic and statutory planning is the implementation of policy into statute. We advise governments on how existing and proposed policies and provisions can be improved, streamlined, and made more effective.

We regularly review planning schemes on behalf of planning authorities, and we develop regulatory frameworks which are at once robust and adaptable. Our development approval experience ensures that ‘implementation’ and ‘solutions thinking’ guide our delivery of useable, transparent, and concise planning provisions.

Effective consultation and engagement strategies are an integral component of our project delivery. We adopt the IAP2 Spectrum of Public Participation of inform, consult, involve, collaborate, and empower – and tailor this to the needs of each project.

We use online and social media portals – often developed in-house – to consult the target community with a much broader, richer, and more engaging reach.
For all projects, our intent is to ensure sufficient, relevant, accurate and consistent information to all stakeholders.

Our understanding of regulatory frameworks and approvals processes for major projects underpins our management and preparation of Environmental Impact Assessments and Environmental Effects Statements.

Our approach to environmental assessment starts with a detailed understanding of the site and its context and draws on our strategic planning skills to unpack the impacts of a project and its wider shaping forces.

We assemble and work with other experts to produce comprehensive assessments that accurately describe the potential impacts of a project and methods to minimise those impacts.

Research forms a key input into the development of policy and strategies and can also form the basis of standalone, out-of-the-ordinary publications. We offer skills and expertise in the preparation of planning studies covering a broad range of urban, regional, and environmental issues. Essential to the success of these studies is our detailed understanding of contemporary policy challenges and emerging technologies.

Our reports are comprehensive, accurate, and well-considered, and have been published in mainstream media outlets as well as academic journals and industry publications.