02 — Approve
Town Planning &
Urban Design
Statutory and strategic planning services across NSW — from development applications and complying development to rezoning proposals and statewide planning codes.
Expert Town Planners in Sydney & Across NSW
Our town planning team brings decades of experience navigating the NSW planning system — from local council DAs to State Significant Development, complex rezonings, and statewide policy reform.
Our Executive Director of Planning, Lynne Sheridan, is a former Director of the Codes and Design Team at the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, and former Acting Commissioner of the NSW Land and Environment Court. Her experience spans statutory and strategic planning across local government, State government and the private sector.
40+
Years Combined Planning Experience
NSW
State-Wide Coverage
DA
Approvals Secured
CDC
Fast-Track Approvals
Statutory Planning
Approval & Assessment Services
We manage the full spectrum of statutory planning approvals under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and associated State Environmental Planning Policies.
Development Applications (DA)
Preparation and lodgement of development applications with local councils across NSW. We manage the entire process — from pre-lodgement meetings and neighbour notification through to determination, ensuring your application is presented compellingly and complies with all relevant planning controls.
Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE)
Comprehensive statements of environmental effects that clearly articulate how a proposed development addresses the relevant planning framework, environmental considerations, and council requirements. Our SEEs are thorough, evidence-based, and written to satisfy council assessment officers.
Complying Development Certificates (CDC)
Fast-track approval pathways under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008. We assess whether your project qualifies for complying development and prepare the required documentation for certification — typically approved within 20 business days.
Heritage Impact Statements (HIS)
Specialist heritage impact statements for development affecting heritage-listed properties or items within heritage conservation areas. We assess significance, evaluate impacts, and propose mitigation measures in accordance with the Burra Charter and relevant heritage guidelines.
Review of Environmental Assessment (REA)
Preparation of review of environmental assessment documents for State Significant Development (SSD) and State Significant Infrastructure (SSI) applications under Part 4 and Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
Rezoning Applications
Strategic planning proposals (formerly known as Planning Proposals) to amend Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) to rezone land, increase height limits, or change floor space ratios. We prepare the full planning proposal, supporting studies, and manage the Gateway process.
Pre-Lodgement Advice & Council Meetings
Early engagement with councils to identify potential issues, refine project parameters, and build positive relationships with assessment officers before formal lodgement. This reduces risk, saves time, and significantly improves approval outcomes.
Objections & Review of Determinations
Preparation of written objections to development applications and review of council determinations under Section 8.2 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act. We also provide advice on merit appeals to the NSW Land and Environment Court.
Clause 4.6 Variation Requests
Expert preparation of Clause 4.6 variation requests to justify exceptions to Local Environmental Plan (LEP) controls on building height, floor space ratio, and other development standards. Our team has a strong track record of successfully justifying variations that unlock significant development potential while satisfying council and the Land and Environment Court.
Strategic Planning & Urban Design
Strategy, Policy & Place-Making
Beyond individual approvals, we help shape the planning framework itself — advising on strategy, policy, and urban design to unlock long-term value for landowners, developers, and communities.
Strategic Planning Advice
High-level strategic planning advice for landowners, developers, and government agencies navigating complex planning frameworks. We analyse planning controls, identify opportunities, and develop strategies to maximise development potential within the regulatory environment.
Urban Design Frameworks
Preparation of urban design frameworks, structure plans, and precinct plans that guide the future development of sites and precincts. Our frameworks balance development feasibility with urban design quality, liveability, and community expectations.
Planning Policy & Codes
Development of planning policies, design guides, and development codes for government agencies and councils. Our Executive Director of Planning, Lynne Sheridan, has extensive experience in this area — having designed and implemented statewide planning codes at the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.
Housing & Residential Strategy
Preparation of housing strategies, residential character studies, and infill development assessments. We assist councils and developers to identify appropriate locations for housing growth while protecting neighbourhood character and amenity.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Preparation and coordination of environmental impact assessments for complex or sensitive development proposals. We manage the preparation of specialist technical studies and integrate findings into a cohesive assessment document.
State Significant Projects
State significant projects: environmental impact statements prepared and signed by a REAP.
Community & Stakeholder Engagement
Design and delivery of community consultation and stakeholder engagement programs for planning proposals and development applications. We facilitate workshops, prepare engagement reports, and help navigate community opposition constructively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Town Planning FAQs
What does a town planner do in Sydney?+
A town planner in Sydney guides property owners through the development approval process. This includes assessing your site's development potential under the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP), preparing Development Applications (DAs), Statements of Environmental Effects (SEEs), and Complying Development Certificates (CDCs). We also represent clients at council meetings and in the NSW Land and Environment Court.
How long does a DA approval take in NSW?+
A standard Development Application in NSW typically takes 40–60 business days for determination by council. However, complex applications involving heritage, flooding, or Clause 4.6 variations can take 3–6 months. Our town planners prepare thorough applications that minimise requests for additional information, helping to reduce approval timeframes.
What is the difference between a DA and a CDC?+
A Development Application (DA) is assessed by your local council and involves public notification and merit-based assessment. A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is a fast-track approval assessed by a private certifier against the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes). CDCs are typically approved within 10–20 days but have stricter development standards.
Do I need a town planner for a renovation in NSW?+
If your renovation involves changes to the building envelope, additional floor area, or a heritage-listed property, you may need planning approval. A town planner can assess whether your project may qualify as exempt development, complying development, or requires a full DA under the controls applying to the site.
What is a Clause 4.6 variation and when do I need one?+
A Clause 4.6 variation is a written request to vary a development standard in the LEP — such as building height or floor space ratio. You need one when your proposal exceeds a numerical standard. Our planners prepare Clause 4.6 submissions that demonstrate the development is consistent with the objectives of the standard and the zone, supported by environmental planning grounds.
How much does a town planner cost in Sydney?+
Town planning fees in Sydney vary depending on the complexity of your project. A pre-DA consultation typically costs $500–$1,500, while preparing a full Development Application ranges from $3,000–$15,000+ depending on the scale and complexity. Contact us for a free initial consultation where we'll scope your project and provide a fixed-fee quote.
Get Started
Ready to get your project approved?
Contact our town planning team for a free initial consultation. We'll assess your project, identify the right approval pathway, and give you a clear picture of what's involved.