Do I need a planner before starting?
You do not need to engage a planner before you start designing, but getting planning advice first can save time and avoid unnecessary redesign.
Before the design begins, a planner can review your Crown lease, zoning, applicable Territory Plan requirements and site constraints to establish what can realistically be achieved on the block. This may include checking setbacks, building height, site coverage, parking, access, easements and other relevant planning requirements.
Our planning services can assist with this initial assessment, giving the design team a clearer framework to work from. Where required, we can also provide planning input as the design develops and assist with preparing the proposal for the Development Application process.
Reference: ACT Planning After you Apply – https://www.planning.act.gov.au/applications-and-assessments/development-applications/after-you-apply
Short Answer
No, but involving a planner early is highly recommended. Early planning advice can identify what can be developed on your block and help guide the design before significant time is spent preparing plans. Our planning team can complete this initial assessment and work with the design process from the outset.
Detailed Explanation
There is no general ACT planning requirement to appoint a private town planner before commencing design. However, undertaking a planning assessment early can help establish the development opportunities and constraints applying to the site.
Before preparing a DA, consideration should be given to the Crown lease, Territory Plan, applicable zone and district policies, relevant technical specifications and site-specific constraints, including easements, utilities, heritage or environmental matters and potential referral requirements.
ACT Planning's Before you apply guidance recommends considering these matters during the early stages of a development proposal and obtaining professional advice where appropriate.
Our planning services can assist with preliminary site and planning assessments, interpretation of applicable ACT planning requirements, planning input during design development and preparation for the DA process. This allows planning considerations to be addressed alongside the design rather than being identified only after plans have been substantially developed.
No minimum block size does not remove the need for planning assessment.
Would you like to know what these rules mean for your property?
Get a Planning Assessment prepared by our experienced planning team.