Our Expertise & Services
At Meliora Projects, we deliver tailored planning solutions across every stage of the development process. Our expertise spans feasibility assessments, development approvals, and social impact reporting for residential, commercial, and industrial projects throughout New South Wales. With a deep understanding of NSW’s planning landscape, we guide clients through complex regulatory environments to achieve successful project outcomes.
Solutions We Solve
Feasibility and Risk Review
Early-stage project feasibility and planning risk mitigation to ensure informed decision-making before committing to the development process.
Navigating Development Approvals
Expert guidance through complex development approval processes, tailored to your project’s scope, location, and planning context.
Integrated Planning Support
A comprehensive suite of town planning services to streamline development approval processes while addressing social impacts and broader public interest.
Services We Provide
Advisory Services and Early Stages Assessments
- 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
Various Planning assessments and reports
- 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
Social Impact Assessment
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
Community and stakeholder engagement
- Stakeholder and Community Consultation Plans
- Community and Stakeholder Engagement Process
- Community and Stakeholder Engagement Reports
Supplementary Services
- 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.
Subscription based services
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.
Application Types & Approval Pathways
Understanding the right approval pathway is essential to a smooth and successful development process. At Meliora Projects, we help you identify the most appropriate application type for your project and guide you through every step to ensure compliance and minimise delays.
Development Applications (DA)
Complying Development Certificate (CDC)
Exempt Development
Building Information Certificate (BIC)
State Significant Development (SSD)
SEARS application
Designated Developments (DD)
Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) approval pathway
Section 4.55 Applications (Modification of Development Consent)
Planning Proposals (Rezoning)
Minister’s Approval
Commercial and Industrial Developments
- 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 projects
- Residential Flat Buildings (apartments)
- Dual occupancy
- Secondary dwellings
- Multi Dwellings
- Group Homes
- Boarding houses
Tourism
- 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.
Mixed Use Developments
Rural
- Extensive Agriculture
- Intensive Plant Agriculture
- Intensive Livestock Agriculture
- Horticulture and Nurseries
- Farm Stay Accommodation
Rezoning Projects (Planning Proposals)
Subdivision and Amalgamation Projects (Torrens, Strata and Community Titles)
Designated Developments
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
Reach out to us today to see how you can turn your project into reality.
What are the key benefits of engaging Meliora Projects for development services in NSW?
When it comes to navigating the complexities of development in New South Wales, having a trusted partner can make all the difference. At Meliora Projects, we are committed to guiding you through every step of the planning and approval process with expertise and efficiency.
- In-Depth Knowledge: Our team brings decades of experience and a comprehensive understanding of the NSW planning system, ensuring you receive informed and reliable guidance at every stage.
- Customized Approach: We tailor our services to align with your unique project needs, site characteristics, and stakeholder interests, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
- Efficient Approvals: With established relationships with local councils, we expedite the approval process, minimising delays and helping your project stay on track.
- Comprehensive Support: From initial feasibility assessments to post-approval advice, we provide continuous support throughout the entire development project lifecycle, ensuring smooth progress.
- Balanced Solutions: We integrate environmental, social, and design considerations into all our reports and assessments, ensuring a holistic approach that delivers long-term value.
- Clear Communication: Our transparent approach keeps you informed with regular updates and collaborative discussions, ensuring you’re always in control of your project’s direction.
- Compliance Confidence: We proactively address potential risks, ensuring your project meets all relevant statutory and legislative requirements in NSW.
At Meliora Projects, we don’t just manage your development—we partner with you to bring your vision to life. With a focus on achieving your goals and ensuring compliance we work to reduce stress, save time, and add value to every stage of your project.
Who We Work With
Our clients include:
- 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
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.
Town Planning Expertise Across NSW
Wherever your project is located, we provide trusted guidance tailored to local Council requirements.
With extensive experience across metropolitan, regional, and growth areas throughout New South Wales, we offer clear, informed planning advice that supports smooth approvals and successful project delivery.
Greater Sydney Region
- City of Sydney
- Parramatta City Council
- Blacktown City Council
- Liverpool City Council
- Campbelltown City Council
- Penrith City Council
- Fairfield City Council
- Cumberland City Council
- The Hills Shire Council
- Canterbury-Bankstown Council
- Bayside Council
- Inner West Council
- Georges River Council
- Northern Beaches Council
- Sutherland Shire Council
Hunter & Central Coast Region
- Newcastle City Council
- Lake Macquarie City Council
- Maitland City Council
- Port Stephens Council
- Central Coast Council
Illawarra & South Coast Region
- Wollongong City Council
- Shellharbour City Council
- Shoalhaven City Council
Western NSW Growth Areas
- Dubbo Regional Council
- Orange City Council
- Tamworth Regional Council
Other Expanding Regional Centres
- Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council
- Coffs Harbour City Council
- Ballina Shire Council
- Tweed Shire Council
