PLANNING APPROVAL SUCCESS ACROSS QUEENSLAND

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Expert Planning Approval Services from City to Country


Welcome to Planning Approval Group, your trusted partner in navigating Queensland's complex planning approval landscape. With over two decades of town planning experience, we're committed to delivering honest, expert, and timely planning approval services that turn your vision into reality. We’ve made a commitment to always operate with integrity and in the best interests of our clients. So, whether you need help planning your next development or some assistance surrounding Material Change of Use, our highly qualified and experienced team can help get your next project approved on time and within budget.

Why Choose Planning Approval Group for Your Planning Approval Needs?


There When

You Need Us


There When You Need Us. Don’t spend hours on the phone or days waiting for a callback. At Planning Approval Group, you can speak with a town planner on the spot. We provide consultations with a quick turnaround so you can focus on the things that matter.

One-Hour Session

Guaranteed


We’re proud to offer our clients one-hour town planning sessions. With a heavy focus on realising your vision, we’re committed to providing you with written answers within 48 hours. That’s our promise, guaranteed!

Fast Turnaround

Times


We don’t like to keep our clients waiting, which is why we deliver on our promise to have preliminary reports drafted and handed over to you within five business days. That’s the Planning Approval Group guarantee.

Price on

Application


Hefty up-front fees aren’t our thing. Our team of town planning consultants will prepare and submit development applications within one month of your instruction provided all supporting information has been supplied. Alternatively, we can arrange and project manage the preparation of full supporting documentation for you.

Our Comprehensive Planning Approval

SERVICES


The Planning Approval Group ADVANTAGE


Integrity-Driven Approach:

We operate with unwavering integrity, always prioritising your best interests throughout the planning approval process.

End-to-End Solutions:

From initial consultation to final planning approval, we're with you every step of the way.

Clear Communication:

Complex planning approval processes explained in simple, understandable terms.

Planning Approval HEALTH CHECK


Unlock your property's true potential with our Planning Approval Potential Health Check. This comprehensive assessment reveals:

 

  • Development opportunities within the planning approval framework


  • Potential risks and challenges in the planning approval process


  • Strategies for successful planning approval outcomes


Don't leave your project's success to chance. Our planning approval health check provides the insights you need to make informed decisions and optimise your development plans.


Learn more about it

Planning Approval
Success Stories


Planning Approval Group's practical approach and commitment to making our project work were invaluable. Their clear communication and professionalism in securing planning approval set them apart.

Sarah T.,
Brisbane Developer

The team's ability to explain complex planning approval processes in simple terms made all the difference. They turned our vision into reality by efficiently navigating the planning approval system.

John M.,
Gold Coast Investor

Renee was brilliant. Very happy to use PAG again, particularly with the level of service received and how quickly it was all wrapped up - it made my job much easier so that I could carry on with other aspects of the project.

Shelley O.,
BENTLEIGH SIGN GROUP

Ready to Secure Your Planning Approval?

Don't let planning hurdles delay your project.


Contact Planning Approval Group today and experience the difference our expert planning approval services can make.

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The Planning Approval Process Simplified


At Planning Approval Group, we understand that the planning approval process can seem daunting. That's why we've developed a streamlined approach to guide you through each stage:

01

Initial Consultation:

We discuss your project goals and assess the planning approval requirements.

02

Site Analysis:

Our experts conduct a thorough evaluation of your property within the context of local planning regulations.

03

Strategy Development:

We create a tailored planning approval strategy designed to maximise your chances of success.

04

Application Preparation:

Our team meticulously prepares all necessary documentation for your planning approval submission.

05

Lodgement and Tracking:

We lodge your application and actively track its progress through the planning approval system.

06

Negotiation and Advocacy:

If required, we engage with relevant authorities to address any concerns and advocate for your project's approval.

07

Approval and Implementation:

Upon receiving planning approval, we guide you through the next steps to bring your project to life.

Industry news

The Latest Insights

By Renee Wall April 16, 2025
There’s no other way to put it – Planning Schemes are huge. They’re filled with jargon and have an immense number of codes to consider. Queensland LGA Planning Scheme codes are the regulations that your development must adhere to, to be approved by your local Council. The codes are a critical part of what ensures the vision for the community’s harmony, aesthetic, and growth is achieved. Addressing the planning scheme with precision is critical. Let’s take a step-by-step approach and dissect a planning scheme. Understanding QLD Planning Schemes If you ever have the opportunity to look at planning schemes from multiple Councils, you’ll see that the design and structure of them are almost identical. This is because it’s a structure set by the State. It’s the content that differs from Council to Council depending on what suits their communities. Here is the breakdown of an average QLD Planning Scheme: 1. Community Statement – this section describes the region and often it will also describe the vision for the region. 2. About the Planning Scheme – this is an important chapter to read if you are unfamiliar with planning schemes because it outlines how to understand it. 3. State Planning Provisions – this section outlines how the Planning Scheme meets State planning policies (because they must be incorporated into the codes etc). 4. Strategic Framework – this section forms the basis for how appropriate development should occur and what the detailed vision and goals for the region are. You will need to address this if your development requires an Impact level assessment. 5. Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP) – this section outlines plans for future infrastructure expectation and growth (water, sewerage, parks etc). 6. Tables of Assessment – this section determines whether your development type is an accepted development, code assessable, impact assessable or prohibited. 7. Zone Codes – these are the codes applicable to each zone in the Local Government Area (e.g. low-density residential zone, centre zone, rural zone, high impact industry zone). 8. Overlay Codes – these codes must be addressed if they impact your property and often include bushfire hazard overlay, flood hazard overlay, biodiversity overlay and airport environs overlay. 9. Development Codes – these cover any other aspects of the development such as use, earthworks, landscaping, parking and access, and services. 10. Schedules – these are incredibly useful attachments to the planning scheme that include definitions and mapping 11. Appendices – these are additional attachments that include a jargon glossary and table of amendments Interpreting a QLD Planning Scheme Sometimes processing what you’re looking at can be overwhelming but there are actually really good guides built into the planning scheme to understand what the point of it is, what you need to achieve, and how you do that. 1. Read the Purpose Statements – each code has a section at the beginning that discusses the purpose of the code, which provide valuable context to help interpret the codes and how to mould your code responses 2. How the Codes are Structured – When looking at the codes, you’ll see Performance Outcome (PO) and Acceptable Outcome (AO): Performance Outcome (PO) – the overall expectation of the code Acceptable Outcome (AO) – How this overall expectation MUST be achieved, although alternative solutions can be proposed 3. Apply a Holistic Approach – It’s obviously quite important to meet codes, however looking at the planning scheme as a whole can help when proposing alternate solutions. Does this alternate solution achieve the purposes, needs, and visions of the planning scheme? 4. Be Familiar with Definitions – never assume the meaning of any jargon. It’s important to check the definitions and glossary to ensure your understanding and application are accurate. 5. Identify Your Codes – when pulling together a Development Application Report, start the process by identifying your relevant codes. Check the maps to determine which zone and overlay codes impact your property, then use the Table of Assessment to determine which other codes (development, use etc) are required. Starting with this helps give your application (and development specifics) direction. 6. Pre-lodgement Meetings and Council Advice – this is a useful resource when understanding the codes and how they impact your development. You can also get an idea of the likelihood your development will be approved. Note – there are limitations to the assistance you can receive. Complex applications or developers not understanding the codes may be referred to a private town planner to complete the application.
By Renee Wall March 19, 2025
Writing and piecing together a development application in Queensland is a big process and often challenging, even for a seasoned professional. We’d like to make that process easier for you , by outlining what not to do in your Queensland development application. 1. Getting The Assessment Level Wrong There is one part of a Queensland development application guaranteed to create major issues with your assessment – getting your development’s assessment level right. Assessment Levels assess the extent of you development’s impacts – to what degree does it fit the zone? Each assessment level is a step up in effort and information required, which is why getting it wrong can make such a mess. The assessment levels are: Accepted – in general, whilst this doesn’t require an application at all, you will still need to check the zone code to ensure you move forward with your development to meet the legislation. Code – this will require an application to council with responses to each applicable code in relation to the development. Whilst your type of development suits the zone, when you break it down into tiny pieces, does it comply? Impact – Your development might fit the zone but needs some convincing. Your development is on a precipice. The Council can be convinced that you can fit in the zone, but making a poor case can result in denial. This requires an application and public notification. Prohibited – your development type is identified as not fitting the zone and Council will not give it consideration. Your best bet is to have a pre-lodgement meeting with Council to strategise ways to move it from prohibited to impact. Want to avoid incorrect assessment levels and starting over with your application? Hire a Queensland town planner to get it right the first time. 2. Not Truly Understanding Your Site How well do you understand your site and its constraints? Your development site can be impacted by zone codes, overlay code, neighbourhood codes, development codes, and use codes. Here is what to check for BEFORE investing in the site or getting too deep into planning: Zone Codes – these codes ultimately deem whether your development is suitable or likely to be acceptable within its zone (e.g. medium residential zone, industry zone, centre zone, rural zone). Overlay Codes – these codes (and their mapping) identify areas of your lot impacted by natural hazards, biodiversity regulations, and infrastructure and transport requirements. Sometimes you can plan your development to meet these codes, but sometimes you simply can’t develop in that impacted space at all. Neighbourhood Codes – these function similarly to zone codes (and must be addressed as well as the zone code), but they break up large areas so that legislation addresses the uniqueness of each area. Development Codes – these determine whether development meets specific legislation regarding aspects like building specifications, landscaping, and site layout. The good news is – at least you know how to adjust your plans to improve approval chances! Use Codes – these codes set out legislation regarding specific uses such as childcare, short-term accommodation, retail, and food & drink outlets. They are similar in usefulness as development codes – their specifics can strengthen rather than hinder your development project. A few common, specific site issues to look out for are: Whether legislated minimum lot sizes will suit your planned subdivision Whether you’re allowed to clear vegetation Whether bushfire or flood hazard levels allow for development Whether your council supports specific unique or contentious development types (some don’t favour air bnb or mass food-chains, for instance) 
By Renee Wall February 19, 2025
Are you considering developing your property in Brisbane? Whether you're planning a minor renovation, subdividing your land, or embarking on a major development project, navigating the planning approval process can be complex. Here are ten crucial factors to consider before starting your development journey. 1. Brisbane City Plan 2014 Understanding how your property is zoned under the Brisbane City Plan 2014 is essential. This planning scheme is the legislation that determines what types of developments are permitted, the building height limits, setbacks, and other requirements. The various Zones , such as Medium Density Residential, Business Centre, and Industry Zones, have different requirements and limitations, so checking your property's zoning should be your first step. Brisbane's planning scheme includes numerous overlays that might affect your property. These could include heritage protections, flood hazard areas, biodiversity areas, or bushfire risk zones. Local plans are a common feature and may also apply additional requirements specific to your neighbourhood. Check all relevant overlays and local plans as they can significantly impact what you can build. 2. Development Categories Your project will fall into one of several development categories: Accepted development Accepted development subject to requirements Code assessable development Impact assessable development Understanding which category applies to your project is crucial as it determines the approval process and level of assessment required. Accepted Development means that the development is immediately accepted and does not require a formal application, however, if it is subject to requirements then you do need to check your development against the prescribed codes to ensure there are no legal issues down the track. Code Assessable indicates that the development is must be assessed by the Council against all relevant codes. This will require a formal application addressing all codes. Impact Assessable indicates the development may have negative impacts on the zone or surrounding sensitive uses and so requires a formal application addressing all codes as well as public notification of intent to develop.
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Let Planning Approval Group be your guide to planning approval success across Queensland. From city to country, we're here to turn your planning challenges into opportunities. Trust in our expertise to navigate the complexities of the planning approval process and bring your development vision to fruition.