Our Expertise & Services

Meliora Projects provides planning, social impact and engagement advice across key stages of the development process.

 

We help clients understand approval pathways, identify risks early and prepare stronger, more defensible applications across NSW.

How We Support Your Project

Feasibility + Risk Review

Early-stage planning advice to assess project feasibility, approval pathways and key risks before significant time or capital is committed.

Navigating Development Approvals

Strategic guidance through development approval processes, tailored to your project’s scope, location, planning pathway and assessment context.

Integrated Planning Support

Coordinated planning, social impact and engagement advice to support stronger applications, manage stakeholder considerations and improve approval readiness.

Services We Provide

  • Planning Advice on a specific matter
  • Feasibility Assessments
  • Planning Due Diligence reports
  • Preliminary Planning Reviews
  • Unauthorised development – Preliminary Advice
  • Approval Pathway Determination
  • Approval Pathway reviews
  • Exempt Development Reviews
  • Statement of Environmental Effects (SoEE or SEE)
  • Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
  • SEARs (Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements)
  • Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
  • Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)
  • Review of the Environmental Factors (REF)
  • Operational Plans of Management
  • Farm Management Plans
    View Sharing/Loss Impact Assessments
  • Planning reports (BIC) – unauthorised development or construction works
  • Expert Witness Reports and Consultations
  • Modification of the Existing Consent – S 4.55 Modification Reports
  • Clause 4.6 Variations
  • Section 8.2 Reviews
  • Division 5.1 Assessments
  • CDC compliance statements and reports
  • Exempt Development Assessments & Letter of Compliance
  • Land Use Conflict Risk Assessment (LUCRA)
  • Social Impact Assessment (SIA) – Scoping

  • Baseline Social Profile – Preliminary Assessment

  • Preliminary Social Impact Analysis

  • Analysis of Collected Data from Consultations

  • Identification and Analysis of Social Impacts Using Various Methodologies

  • Addressing Social Impacts in Alignment with Social Justice Principles

  • Social Impact Assessment (SIA) Reports

  • Peer Review of Social Impact Assessments

  • Collective Social Impact Assessments

  • Social Impact Management Plans

  • Stakeholder and Community Consultation Plans
  • Community and Stakeholder Engagement Process
  • Community and Stakeholder Engagement Reports
  • Property Information Documents
  • Council Historic Records (GIPA)
  • Various applications – lodgment and tracking
  • Pre-DA meetings
  • Design Review Panels meetings
  • Post approval consultation
  • Site visits (if required
  • Ongoing Support & Compliance Reviews – Our advice is accurate at the time provided, and we offer re-reviews for projects that have been on hold to account for potential regulatory changes.

Access our consulting services on a recurring basis, through a monthly fee or based on the established hourly rate. Please enquire about our subscription based services by contacting us.

Our Services

Planning, social impact and engagement services

We provide planning, social impact and engagement services to support projects at all stages. From early feasibility through to approvals and strategic advisory.

NSW Approval Pathways We Support

NSW Approval Pathways We Support

Understanding the right approval pathway is critical to project success. Meliora Projects helps identify the most appropriate pathway for your proposal, clarify documentation requirements and guide you through the process with confidence.

Exempt Development

Complying Development Certificate (CDC)

Development Applications (DA)

Section 4.55 Modification Applications

Building Information Certificates (BIC)

Planning Proposals / Rezoning

Regional Development

State Significant Development (SSD)

Designated Development

Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) pathway

SEARs requests and SSD pathway advice

Ministerial approval pathways

Services

Development projects we assist with:

Change of use and associated construction works

Training and Education Facilities

Medical centres and Health Consulting Rooms

Recreation areas; Recreation facilities (indoor and outdoor)

Shop top housing

Retail

Warehouses

Health Consulting Rooms

Medical Centres

Industrial Projects

Pond based and tank -based Aquaculture

Oyster aquaculture

Licensed premises (Small bars, clubs and pubs)

Food and drink premises (Cafe and restaurants)

Gyms

Tattoo parlour and beauty salons

Business identification signage

Childcare Facilities

Amusement centres

Depots

Entertainment facilities

Function centres

General industries

Light industries

Vehicle repair stations

Business premises

Office fit outs

Residential Flat Buildings (apartments)

Dual occupancy

Secondary dwellings

Multi Dwellings

Group Homes

Boarding houses

Eco-Tourism Developments: Nature retreats, glamping sites, and wellness retreats.

Tourist and visitor accommodation

Caravan Parks and Campgrounds

Rural Event Venues: Wedding venues, function centres, and agritourism businesses.

Extensive Agriculture

Intensive Plant Agriculture

Intensive Livestock Agriculture

Horticulture and Nurseries

Farm Stay Accommodation

Heavy Industries

Chemical, coal, and petroleum processing plants

Cement, lime, and plaster manufacturing

Metallurgical and mineral processing industries

Waste and Resource Recovery

Waste management facilities (e.g., landfill, incineration, recycling)

Sewage treatment plants with large-scale processing

Hazardous waste disposal facilities

Extractive Industries and Mining

Quarries and open-cut mining exceeding threshold limits

Large-scale sand and gravel extraction

Underground mining operations

Energy Generation and Supply

Large-scale power generation facilities (coal, gas, solar, wind farms)

Hydro-electric power stations

High-voltage transmission lines and substations

Agriculture and Animal Processing

Intensive livestock agriculture (feedlots, piggeries, poultry farms)

Abattoirs and meat processing facilities

Large-scale aquaculture operations

Forestry and Timber Processing

Sawmills and wood processing plants

Large-scale forestry operations

Infrastructure and Transport

Major road and rail projects

Port facilities and shipping terminals

Airport developments

Water-related Developments

Large dams and water storage facilities

Desalination plants

Irrigation schemes

Contaminated Land and Hazardous Facilities

Facilities handling, storing, or treating hazardous chemicals

Asbestos disposal sites

Large-scale fuel storage depots

Marine and Coastal Developments

Marinas, boating facilities, and coastal reclamation

Offshore petroleum exploration

Developments in environmentally sensitive coastal areas

Key Benefits

What you gain by engaging Meliora Projects

Clear Approval Pathway

 We help identify the most suitable approval pathway for your project, so decisions are made with clarity from the outset.

Planning, site, social and stakeholder risks are identified early – before they affect design, cost, timing or assessment outcomes.

We prepare clear, practical and defensible planning documentation that responds to statutory requirements and assessment priorities.

Strategic Positioning

 We help position projects in a way that aligns with planning controls, authority expectations and broader community context.

Coordinated Advice

Planning, social impact and engagement considerations are brought together under one team, reducing gaps and improving project readiness.

Senior planner involvement

Every project benefits from senior planning input, practical judgement and real-world experience in NSW approval processes.

Better informed decisions

Our advice helps clients understand options, constraints and approval risks before committing significant time or capital.

Who we work with

Trusted Development Planning Consultants across the public and private sectors throughout NSW.

Property developers (residential, commercial, industrial)

Architects and urban designers

Government agencies and local councils

Legal professionals and solicitors

Community organisations and not-for-profits

Private landowners and homeowners

Property Consultants and Real Estate Agencies

Industry specialists

Private Certifiers

What Our Clients Say

Sourced from verified Google reviews

Posted on Google Google
Olive l profile picture
Olive l
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I highly recommend Meliora projects. They did my subdivision and DA application. Their upfront quote was detailed and fair. They stuck to their word, were efficient and went out of their way to help me navigate the parts I did on my own. In hindsight, I would've used their comprehensive service instead of trying to do some of it myself as it cost me a lot of time, and was very confusing. Their efficiency helped me meet crucial deadlines as council rules were changing. I highly recommend their service.
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Jan G profile picture
Jan G
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I worked with Meliora in a professional capacity as operations manager for a global circular economy company. Their team helped us obtain a Designated Development Approval for a very specific type of facility. We appreciated their flexibility and resourcefulness in working on this unique kind of development.
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Judy Z profile picture
Judy Z
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Meliora Projects is helping us to bring our tourist park up to current compliance standards. From the initial assessment through to final certification, they guided us every step of the way. What really stood out was how they broke down a complex list of requirements into manageable tasks. They liaised with council officers, coordinated necessary upgrades, and kept us informed without ever being overwhelming. One particular moment that impressed me was when they identified a potential non-compliance issue early on and resolved it before it could become a costly delay – saving us both time and money. I would absolutely recommend Meliora Projects to any tourist park operator needing compliance support. Their knowledge of the regulations, attention to detail, and practical approach made a potentially stressful process feel completely under control.
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Hannah M profile picture
Hannah M
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I recently worked with Meliora Projects on 2 childcare centres, and the experience was exceptional from start to finish. The team was incredibly supportive throughout the entire process—clear communication, thoughtful guidance, and a genuine commitment to delivering quality results. Thankyou Anna and Daryl!
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Carlos R profile picture
Carlos R
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They prepared the Statement of Environmental Effects (SoEE) for the DA process and provided the full statutory and planning framework, together with clear advice on the items that required adjustment to achieve compliance. Meliora provided excellent support and a high-quality professional service throughout the process.
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Laura A profile picture
Laura A
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Anna was efficient, helpful and responsive throughout our lengthy, complicated DA process. We would have no hesitation in recommending their services to others.
Posted on Google Google
Luca profile picture
Luca
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I’ve worked with Meliora Projects on a bunch of residential and commercial jobs across Sydney and the Hunter Region over a number of years now, and they’ve always delivered. The team knows their planning inside out, stay organised, and get results without the fuss. Easy to deal with and great to have on your side.
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Garth S profile picture
Garth S
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Meliora Projects made our office change of use approval smooth and stress-free. They knew the process inside out, kept us updated, and got everything sorted quickly so we could move our software team in without delays. Highly recommend!
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Ben M profile picture
Ben M
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I worked with Meliora Projects on development applications for a number of projects for our business. Each time they have provided exceptional service and delivered on there comitments. From the initial consultation to the final handover, Anna and team were incredibly professional, communicative, and supportive. They guided me through every step of the process, which for someone who had never completed such an application was extremely beneficial. I would recommend Meliora Projects to anyone looking for a reliable, thoughtful, and high-quality partner for their next project.
Posted on Google Google
Daniel K profile picture
Daniel K
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I engaged Meliora Projects for a complex multi-dwelling residential development, and I could not be more impressed with their expertise and professionalism. The project involved a particularly challenging site and the coordination of multiple contractors, yet they managed every stage seamlessly. From the initial feasibility assessments through to development approvals, Anna and Daryl demonstrated deep knowledge of town planning, clear communication, and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving. Their guidance made a difficult process smooth and achievable, and I had complete confidence in their ability to deliver. I would highly recommend them to anyone seeking trusted experts in town planning and development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Meliora Projects do?

Meliora Projects is a boutique planning consultancy offering comprehensive town planning and development advisory services in New South Wales. We specialise in development approvals, feasibility assessments, planning due diligence, Social Impact Assessments (SIA), and stakeholder engagement.

At what stage should we engage your team?

Ideally, at the earliest stage of your project—before land acquisition or design finalisation. We assist clients during the scoping and feasibility stages to identify risks, constraints, and approval pathways before any formal application is lodged.

What types of development projects do you work on?

We support a wide range of residential, commercial, industrial, tourism, and community-based developments. Whether you’re lodging a DA, modifying a consent, or dealing with unauthorised works, our team has the experience to guide you through the planning system.

Can you help with unauthorised developments or retrospective approvals?

Yes. We regularly assist clients in addressing unauthorised works, including preparing modification applications, related applications (DA/BICs), and working with councils to resolve compliance matters.

What is a Social Impact Assessment, and do I need one?

A Social Impact Assessment (SIA) evaluates how a development may affect the local community. It’s typically required for larger projects or those in sensitive areas. We tailor our SIAs to meet NSW Department of Planning and local council requirements.

How long does the Development Application process take?

Timeframes vary based on the project complexity and the local council’s processing times. We help set realistic expectations upfront and monitor progress throughout to keep your project moving.

Can you provide an initial consultation for my development?

Absolutely. We offer initial consultations to scope your project, clarify your objectives, and recommend the most appropriate path forward. Book a session via our Contact Page or Calendly.

Do you work outside of NSW?

Our core practice focuses on NSW, where we have extensive experience with local councils and the state planning system. WE also assist our clients with the projects located in QLD. For other inter-state projects, we may collaborate with local partners to deliver results for you—feel free to reach out to discuss your specific needs.

How do I get started with Meliora Projects?

Book a planning consultation via our contact form or Calendly. We’ll scope your proposal, provide initial planning advice, and outline next steps based on your goals and site specifics.
Early engagement helps avoid delays and ensures compliance from the outset.

Request a Quote

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