Bondi Ice Creamery – Application for Development Approval
Development Proposal Type: Food & Drink Premises with Footpath Seating Services: Development Application (DA), Statement of Environmental Effects (SoEE) and statutory compliance Status: Approved The Vision The client wanted to transform a previously approved café into Luca & Luca Ice Creamery, a vibrant artisan ice cream bar with footpath seating that would capture the social, […]
Why Is Strategic Town Planning Key to Urban Growth?
Sydney alone is forecast to welcome more than 1.7 million additional residents by 2041. Without a plan, where will they live, how will they move around, and what services will support them? Strategic town planning is what stops this growth from turning into gridlock, sprawl, and stressed communities. At its core, strategic town planning coordinates […]
Housing Assessment Guide NSW – Essential for Developers
The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has released the updated Guide to Faster Assessments for State Significant Development (SSD) Housing Applications, a major shift aimed at boosting housing supply and streamlining approvals. Who it applies to SSD housing projects lodged under: Key features of the updated process: It is important to highlight the […]
Before You Build: Why Flood Hazard Categories Matter in NSW
Understanding your site’s flood hazard category is critical – it can influence development feasibility, Council approvals, and long-term project outcomes across NSW. The Vision Our client sought to transform a rural landholding in Windsor, within the Hawkesbury region of NSW, into a caravan and camping park. The concept included a mix of cabins, powered camping […]
NCC 2022 Amendment 2 – Regulatory Update
Starting 29 July 2025, the latest NCC update, known as NCC 2022 Amendment 2, will officially take effect across all Australian states and territories, replacing Amendment 1 for any new building applications. This update brings the National Construction Code (NCC) in line with the revised Premises Standards, incorporating the updated AS 1428.1:2021 – Design for […]
MidCoast Council DA Changes from 1st of August
Important updates are coming to Development Applications (DAs) submitted within the MidCoast region. From 1 August 2025, all planning professionals, developers, and consultants must comply with stricter DA lodgement requirements set by MidCoast Council. These changes are being introduced in response to the NSW Government’s Faster Assessments Program and the Minister’s Statement of Expectations. Both […]
Refinements to SIA Guidance – July 2025 Update Released
The NSW Social Impact Assessment Guidelines for State significant projects have undergone notable refinements in July 2025, building on the February 2023 version and reinforcing the clarity, rigour, and accountability of social impact practice. These changes aim to improve accountability, transparency, and ensure that community wellbeing is a measurable and considered outcome of planning decisions. […]
Can Independent Project Management Deliver Better Governance?
In the complex world of property development and urban planning, strong governance is the difference between smooth project delivery and costly delays. Independent project management (PM) paired with strategic planning advice offers a path to better accountability, transparency, and delivery assurance for clients, consultants, and the community alike. This dual approach creates the necessary distance […]
What’s the Best Way to Manage Land Use Conflict in NSW?
As urban expansion increasingly overlaps with agricultural and industrial activities, land use conflict has become a growing challenge in regional planning. A Land Use Conflict Risk Assessment (LUCRA) is a structured method developed in New South Wales (NSW) to identify and manage potential conflicts between incompatible land uses. LUCRA is especially important in contexts where […]
NSW Planning Laws: Debunking Common Development Myths
In the fast-paced world of planning and development, misinformation is everywhere, especially when it comes to what needs approval, what’s permitted, and how NSW planning laws actually work. Common misunderstandings often lead to costly mistakes, delays, and compliance headaches. That’s why these Planning Myth-Busting series were created: a straightforward guide designed to separate fact from […]
