Planning Consulting
Not sure what planning rules apply to your proposed development or your site ?
We can provide a plain English, point by point summary of the critical issues for your site - even before you design.
If you have already started designing, we can look over the concept before you finalise.
We firmly believe that any modifications that may be required are substantially cheaper to make at concept or sketch stage than any subsequent stage. The further the project progresses, the harder and more expensive it becomes to make changes. We like to catch potential problems very early.
We can provide a plain English, point by point summary of the critical issues for your site - even before you design.
If you have already started designing, we can look over the concept before you finalise.
We firmly believe that any modifications that may be required are substantially cheaper to make at concept or sketch stage than any subsequent stage. The further the project progresses, the harder and more expensive it becomes to make changes. We like to catch potential problems very early.
Development Applications to Council
We prepare Development Applications everyday in many NSW Council areas for a multitude of development types.
We will provide early advice as to what information will require and we handle correspondence from Council so you don't have to.
We will provide early advice as to what information will require and we handle correspondence from Council so you don't have to.
Statement of Environmental Effects
Generally, all Development Applications need to include a Statement of Environmental Effects, or a SEE as we call it.
Our SEE's are specific to your development, your site and take into account any unique environmental considerations (eg bushfire prone land or heritage conservation areas etc).
A well written, properly structured SEE provides Council assessment staff the critical information they need in an efficient manner. It expedites the approval process and in many instances allows an opportunity to request flexibility of the planning controls (called a variation). Councils generally discourage variations unless it is well justified. This is where we come in.
Our SEE's are specific to your development, your site and take into account any unique environmental considerations (eg bushfire prone land or heritage conservation areas etc).
A well written, properly structured SEE provides Council assessment staff the critical information they need in an efficient manner. It expedites the approval process and in many instances allows an opportunity to request flexibility of the planning controls (called a variation). Councils generally discourage variations unless it is well justified. This is where we come in.
Complying Development Consulting
Complying Development (CD) is an alternative approval pathway to the traditional Council Development Application system. CD is a NSW Planning Scheme where accredited personnel (Accredited Certifiers) are able to issue direct certification without Council intervention.
So what's the catch ?
CD rules are rigid and there is no ability to request flexibility (no variations allowed).
We provide a consulting service to ascertain whether your development proposal is capable of being CD and we also work with your architect or building designer to suggest design adjustments to achieve full compliance. Planning Approvals then provide a town planning report which the Accredited Certifier can rely upon for their assessment assisting with the efficient and proper issue of a Complying Development Certification. Several Accredited Certifiers utilise our CD consulting service in NSW.
So what's the catch ?
CD rules are rigid and there is no ability to request flexibility (no variations allowed).
We provide a consulting service to ascertain whether your development proposal is capable of being CD and we also work with your architect or building designer to suggest design adjustments to achieve full compliance. Planning Approvals then provide a town planning report which the Accredited Certifier can rely upon for their assessment assisting with the efficient and proper issue of a Complying Development Certification. Several Accredited Certifiers utilise our CD consulting service in NSW.
BASIX Certification
Building Sustainability Index Certification (BASIX) applies to certain residential development in NSW. BASIX applies to new dwellings, including townhouses and apartments, additions to dwellings that are valued at $50,000 or more and swimming pools that are 40,000L or more. We have issued over 7,000 BASIX certifications since BASIX commenced in 2004.
What is BASIX ?
It is essentially the NSW Government mandating building sustainability at the design stage. Building sustainability is aimed at reducing household water and energy consumption.
BASIX consists of 3 parts:
1. Water
2. Thermal Comfort
3. Energy
We are accredited as NatHERS Assessors to achieve a Thermal Comfort pass through simulation methods. This is particularly useful where your development is not able to pass under conventional methods.
What is BASIX ?
It is essentially the NSW Government mandating building sustainability at the design stage. Building sustainability is aimed at reducing household water and energy consumption.
BASIX consists of 3 parts:
1. Water
2. Thermal Comfort
3. Energy
We are accredited as NatHERS Assessors to achieve a Thermal Comfort pass through simulation methods. This is particularly useful where your development is not able to pass under conventional methods.
NatHERS Ratings
In NSW, a NatHERS rating can be used to achieve a pass level in the Thermal Comfort section of BASIX. The rating must be carried out by an Accredited Assessor. We are accredited with BDAV.
Why use NatHERS ratings in BASIX ?
NatHERS ratings require assessors to use accredited software to carry out a housing energy assessment. Assessors must be qualified, must demonstrate practical knowledge and maintain their knowledge through a mandatory CPD (continuing professional development) program through their accreditation body. This generally implies that accredited assessors have a comprehensive knowledge of building thermodynamics which assists them in identifying thermal efficiency problems with the building design. We have many years and many projects behind us to help you achieve the required thermal efficiency to pass BASIX, in a cost effective and flexible manner.
As accredited NatHERS assessors, we are also qualified to provide NatHERS ratings in all States and Territories in Australia.
Why use NatHERS ratings in BASIX ?
NatHERS ratings require assessors to use accredited software to carry out a housing energy assessment. Assessors must be qualified, must demonstrate practical knowledge and maintain their knowledge through a mandatory CPD (continuing professional development) program through their accreditation body. This generally implies that accredited assessors have a comprehensive knowledge of building thermodynamics which assists them in identifying thermal efficiency problems with the building design. We have many years and many projects behind us to help you achieve the required thermal efficiency to pass BASIX, in a cost effective and flexible manner.
As accredited NatHERS assessors, we are also qualified to provide NatHERS ratings in all States and Territories in Australia.
NABERS Ratings
A National Australian Built Environment Rating System Assessment (NABERS) is a rating system which measures the environmental impact of Australian buildings on the environment.
When are NABERS Ratings required ?
It is mandatory to have a NABERS rating for Office buildings that have a floor area of 1,000 sqm or more at the point of sale or lease.
There are several voluntary NABERS rating options available, including NABERS for Apartment Buildings which will undoubtedly assist building or facility managers in reducing energy related strata costs.
From 1 May 2019, the current National Construction Code (NCC) allows NABERS to be used as a pathway for achieving Section J compliance, known as JV1. We are excited and pleased that our NABERS skills are now available for all Class 5 buildings.
When are NABERS Ratings required ?
It is mandatory to have a NABERS rating for Office buildings that have a floor area of 1,000 sqm or more at the point of sale or lease.
There are several voluntary NABERS rating options available, including NABERS for Apartment Buildings which will undoubtedly assist building or facility managers in reducing energy related strata costs.
From 1 May 2019, the current National Construction Code (NCC) allows NABERS to be used as a pathway for achieving Section J compliance, known as JV1. We are excited and pleased that our NABERS skills are now available for all Class 5 buildings.
NCC Section J Consulting
The National Construction Code (NCC) - Volume 1 contains a section that regulates a minimum level of Energy Efficiency for buildings, known as Section J.
In NSW, BASIX overrides Section J for residential building classifications (eg apartments). However, Section J still applies to non residential building classifications such as commercial, industrial, schools, hospitals etc. Many Principal Certifiers, including Council certifiers, require applicants to arrange for a Section J compliance report prior to the issue of building certification. We provide reports and advice in relation to Section J being building energy efficiency experts !
In NSW, BASIX overrides Section J for residential building classifications (eg apartments). However, Section J still applies to non residential building classifications such as commercial, industrial, schools, hospitals etc. Many Principal Certifiers, including Council certifiers, require applicants to arrange for a Section J compliance report prior to the issue of building certification. We provide reports and advice in relation to Section J being building energy efficiency experts !
