Planning advice · NSW
Know your site's potential. Before you commit.
Practical NSW town planning advice and Preliminary Planning Reports (PPRs) to identify the approval pathway, planning controls and potential constraints before design decisions become costly.
The approach
Preliminary Planning Reports and early-stage planning advice
Understanding the planning framework is often the most valuable first step in a development project. Our Preliminary Planning Reports (PPRs) and site-specific planning advice help homeowners, architects, designers and builders understand how the NSW planning system applies to a particular property.
The scope can range from an initial feasibility review to an assessment of a developed design. We identify the controls, opportunities, constraints and potential documentation requirements relevant to your proposed development.
Our services
What we can assess
Planning controls and permissibility
Review the applicable Local Environmental Plan (LEP), Development Control Plan (DCP) and relevant State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs), as appropriate to the site and proposal.
Built-form and design compliance
Consider matters such as building height, floor space ratio, setbacks, landscaped area, site coverage and streetscape character where applicable.
Property-specific constraints
Identify relevant flags for issues such as biodiversity, flooding, bushfire, heritage or other constraints that may require specialist assessment.
Approval pathways and next steps
Provide advice on whether a Development Application, Complying Development pathway or further investigations should be considered.
Project outcomes
What you can expect
Depending on the agreed scope, we can prepare a structured Preliminary Planning Report or written planning advice identifying key controls, issues to resolve and recommended next steps. An initial review is not development consent or a guarantee of approval; some questions require detailed design or specialist input.
How it works
From enquiry to clear advice.
A practical process suited to the stage and complexity of your project.
Tell us about the proposal
Provide the address, proposed development and any plans or previous approvals.
We review the planning context
Relevant planning controls, site constraints and potential pathways are considered.
Receive practical direction
We explain the findings and what should be resolved before the next stage.
Common questions
Good questions to ask early.
Do I need architectural plans first?
Not always. We can often begin with the site address and a clear description of the proposal, although more detailed drawings allow a more detailed assessment.
Does a Preliminary Planning Report approve my development?
No. A PPR is planning advice, not a statutory approval. Formal approval, where required, comes through the relevant consent or certification process.
Can you advise whether complying development is possible?
Yes. An early review may identify whether the CDC pathway warrants detailed investigation. Final eligibility requires assessment of the current rules and the actual design.
Further information from official NSW Government sources:
Start here
Ready to discuss your project?
Send us the basics. If you already have a survey, plans, sketches or supporting documents, include them too.