Development Approval Strategies
Securing development approval can be a complex and often lengthy process. A well-prepared strategy is essential to give your project the best chance of success. Development approval strategies involve carefully planning the approach to lodging a Development Application (DA) or other planning approvals to ensure compliance with local planning laws, policies, and community expectations.
Development Approval Strategies
As town planners, we develop tailored approval strategies for each project by:
​
-
Understanding Local Planning Controls – Assessing zoning, land use regulations, development standards, and council policies to determine what is permissible.
-
Identifying Risks and Constraints – Reviewing site-specific issues such as heritage, environmental factors, bushfire risk, flooding, or traffic impacts, and addressing these early.
-
Engaging with Council and Stakeholders – Where beneficial, holding pre-lodgement meetings with council officers and engaging key stakeholders to identify potential concerns before submission.
-
Coordinating Specialist Reports – Ensuring all required assessments (e.g. heritage, biodiversity, engineering, or bushfire reports) are prepared to support the application.
-
Optimising the Proposal – Advising on design modifications to maximise development potential while staying within planning controls.
-
Managing the Approval Pathway – Selecting the most efficient approval process (e.g. DA, complying development, rezoning, or modification application) based on the project’s scale and complexity.
​
By implementing these strategies, a town planner reduces the risk of refusal, minimises costly delays, and provides a clear roadmap for achieving development approval.