TOWN PLANNING

As Town Planning Consultants, we represent our clients in dealings with local Councils. We prepare development applications (DAs) or other submissions as required.

Development applications are required for many forms of development, including subdivision, change of land or building use, dwellings and many more. Compass Consulting Surveyors can prepare development applications for proposed developments and liaise with councils to achieve the best result possible for the applicant. With good working relationships with councils all over NSW, Compass Consulting Surveyors are the link between developers and Councils.

Compass Consulting Surveyors have assisted many clients in dealing with Councils for varied development proposals. From relocatable dwellings to allowing articulated trucks access to particular land, subdividing rural or urban land, changing the use of existing buildings and much more, our staff have the experience and knowledge to get results.

We believe in working cooperatively with councils when applying for a development. We adopt a process that includes at least one pre-lodgement meeting or pre-development application advice for most projects to ensure we are aware of any issues that the local council may raise prior to submitting your application. We then prepare the Statement of Environmental Effects and associated supporting material, such as site plans, to complete your application. We have an extensive list of external consultants we can draw on for advice and specialist reports such as traffic impact, noise and acoustic reports and biodiversity assessments that may be required for your application.

We will monitor the application through the approval process and respond to any additional requests for information as required.

When a development is approved, Compass Consulting Surveyors explain the requirements of any conditions in plain English. Recommendations can be made as to how to proceed with the development in a manner best suited to the goals of the applicant. Since some applicants wish to have an approved development application prior to selling land, we can provide advice on physical commencement of the work to ensure your consent remains valid in perpetuity.

When dealing with bushfire prone land, often a Bush Fire Assessment Report is required. Compass Consulting Surveyors have the required knowledge to prepare simple reports supporting development on bushfire-prone land. Compass Consulting Surveyors have an in-depth understanding of the threat to property from bush fire and the requirements of the NSW Rural Fire Service and can prepare reports addressing bushfire risk with practical solutions. If an extensive Bushfire Assessment is required, for instance a dwelling in BAL-FZ land, we have accredited consultants we can liaise with to ensure your proposal meets all the necessary legal and safety criteria.

When a land owner wishes to change the zoning of their land, a comprehensive rezoning application must be submitted, firstly to the local council and then to the Department of Planning. Compass Consulting Surveyors has experience in preparing rezoning applications with an excellent success rate. More than this, our staff will offer advice indicating whether a rezoning application is likely to be successful before the costs become excessive.

In recent times, Councils have asked the general public for more input on various facets of Council. Compass Consulting Surveyors can assist with the preparation of submissions to Council for items other than development applications or rezoning applications. Our staff have prepared submissions on proposed Council development, rural land use strategies, proposed Local Environmental Plans and proposed Development Control Plans. We are able to put the client’s point of view to Council in language that appeals to Council staff and town planners, supported by maps, plans and relevant arguments.

Speak to Compass Consulting Surveyors when considering a submission to Council. Our experienced staff can assist you in having your development application prepared and approved and guide you through the development process.