6 Benefits of Engaging a Town Planner For Your Planning Application

Plan Melbourne is the planning strategy of Melbourne’s landscapefrom 2017 to 2050. It includes managing long term land use, transport planning and infrastructure.This strategy, given statutory effect, is contributing to the overall vision for the stateand is therefore a key document for anyone who is looking to put forward their own development project.

Getting help with this and all the other regulations, plans and application processes, is vital if you are building a commercial or residential property. To help save you time, money and effort, here are the 6 benefits of engaging town planning consultants in Melbourne.

1. Increased chances of success

As noted above, there is a strategic plan in place which outlines the path followed when it comes to long term land use and infrastructure. This includes a wealth of information about how neighbourhoods should be shaped while preserving the character and uniqueness of Melbourne and the surrounding areas. In order to ensure that your plans alignwith the requirements of the Council, and that you have provided the right information, you need an expert in town planning in Victoria.

Engaging a town planner means they can ensure you put together, with their help and know-how, the presentation required by your local Council. This will include them preparing detailed reports highlighting how your proposal not only meets the planning scheme requirements but fits in with the overall vision for the area. This can increase your chances of a successful application and if you have to engage with VCAT, they have the time and the experience to research similar cases in order to help inform the panel further.

2. Experience and knowledge

Town planners get involved in development plans and applications on a daily basis, whereas most of us may never be involved in submitting a planning application, let alone carry out a building or renovation project. They would have got this down to a fine art – including the best way to collate and submit all the documents. This saves you time and therefore money. They can spot any glaring errors or problems that could result in a failed application, giving you the best chance at success.

3. Documentation

Every application needs the right paperwork, including any land surveys, details of existing easements and so on. If you do need to go to a review at VCAT, they can do a lot of the groundwork and preparation, as well as get in the correct information on time. For someone new to navigating their way through the plethora of information, different websites, fees and different application processes, a town planner nz can take all the stress out of this process.

4. Networks and professional relationships

As part of their job role, a town planner has build up a lot of useful contacts and information over the years.They understand the workings of the Council, including the jargon and constraints and who to speak to at each stage of the process. This can take heaps of time for the layperson to do, so having someone to help you negotiate the statutory timelines is yet another benefit of engaging a town planner for your project.

5. Support with meetings and negotiations

Discussions around your project can be difficult for you to undertake in an objective manner, particularly if it has been a lifetime dream and ambition. Town planners can speak on your behalf when it comes to making any changes or negotiating decisions. They are very well versed in presenting their clients plans in the best possible light. They can review your plan against the planning strategy for the land and zoning laws and suggest compromises that can fit both sides. This will take the pressure and the anxiety away from you, as well offer you the benefit of a professional working on your behalf particularly when it comes to planning meetings.

Value for money

No matter the development, renovation or repurposing of buildings and land you have in mind, town planners will cut to the chase when it comes to dealing with the planning application. They can save you time and money by ensuring you don’t get caught up in unnecessary meetings and phone calls, as well as help monitor paperwork and deadlines so that you are kept on track.

By getting a town planner involved from the very start, you will have their invaluable assistance at the planning design stage. This can help you avoid costly mistakes moving forward.

Ensure that engaging town planning professionals is at the top of your planning list when you begin your property development dream!