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Obtain your planning permit in 6-9 months*

Town planning & surveying services to keep your development project moving forward

*Since 2000, our track record of achieving planning permits is:

Home Projects & Extensions

90%
within
4-6 months

Multi-unit
development

86%
within
6-9 months

Apartments
 

83%
within
12 months

Property development projects are usually slowed by the planning permit process.

The lack of progress is frustrating.

You expect some stops and starts in any development project. But each delay has a major impact on your timeline, budget and chance at a successful project.

The longer the wait, the bigger the consequences.


Request a fee proposal

At Terrain Consulting Group, we help you with


Planning application lodged within 4 weeks

Once we have all the final plans and reports we’ll lodge your application and provide you with weekly updates.

Obtaining planning permits within 6-9 months

This is based on our track record of helping clients significantly speed up their planning process.

Receive land survey plans within 2-3 weeks

Set your project up for success with our land survey plans that are recommended by leading architects.

Obtaining a planning permit is like a game of chess.

Every move needs to be strategically handled.

In order for a planning permit to be granted in a timely manner, you need to understand:

  • How councils work
  • What you can and can’t do on a site
  • How to present applications
  • When to go to VCAT

With 25 years of experience, we understand the intricacies of many different councils across Melbourne and Victoria to handle the application process smoothly.

Clients who have benefited from
our efficient application process


  • I often have the need for fast, accurate town planning advice for my clients. For many years, I have been relying on the professional services of Lorenzo Rigoni and the team at Terrain Consulting. It is my job to advise my clients to what they can do to extract the best yield from their property or from properties they are looking to purchase. The first place I head is to the team at Terrain.
    Philip – Director – Re-Define
  • I really appreciated your guidance and help during the VCAT hearing process from the beginning to the decision. If I have to go through it again I will consider no one but you without any hesitation. Your knowledge on these matters, your calm and professional attitude, the ease you communicate and establish rapport with people were very confidence building. I recommend anyone who is planning to go through a development to talk with Lorenzo and his team as early as possible.
    Michael – Ivanhoe
  • After spending much more time than I would have imagined I almost had to abandon a project with a volume so called turnkey builder. This builder had the pricing come in way above what was first discussed, and after much disappointment I contacted Laurie. Laurie’s knowledge and down to earth approach was exactly what I was looking for. Laurie also referred me to an Architectural practice who have the dual occupancy experience I so desperately need. After only two meetings, I am well on the way to getting fresh architectural plans drawn up and I look forward to having these plans to council within 6-7 weeks.
    Nicole – Strathmore
  • On behalf of my family, I would like to thank you both for your professional conduct and the hard work you have put in for us to get the sub division. It’s been a long and stressful journey and we could not have asked for two better people to have onboard. Again, a big thank you and greatly appreciated.
    Chris – Greenvale
  • I met with Laurie Rigoni from Terrain Consulting Group for an informal meeting to seek advice about a property I co-own, and its potential for sub division. Having no knowledge of such matters, Laurie’s warm, friendly manner, breadth of knowledge and professional approach was comforting and appreciated. I would not hesitate in recommending Laurie to anyone who is interested in developing a property and is unsure about what can be achieved and how to go about it.
    Anna – Brunswick
  • Thanks for sending through the VCAT approval. I would like to extend our thanks for your efforts and diligence in preparing and representing our case at VCAT. This is a fantastic result and should be a great project for our team.
    Jim – Northcote
  • Many thanks for your assistance and continued support with the project at Derby Street, over the past three years.
    Brian – Kew

    Trusted by hundreds of companies


    3 simple steps


    1. Lodge your application within 4 weeks

    Once we have all the final plans and reports we’ll get your application lodged within a month.

    2. Get weekly progress update

    We manage the application throughout the Council town planning process and keep you up-to-date.

    3. Aim to get your planning permit in 6-9 months

    Every council operates differently, but with our help we can speed up the planning permit process.

    Every council is different.

    Understanding the differences can make or break your application.

    The key to fast-tracking the progress of a planning permit is knowing how the game is played.

    Frequently asked questions


    How long does a planning permit last?
    A planning permit generally lasts 2 years, however, please refer to your planning permit for the specific expiry date.
    How long will it take to do a subdivision?
    This will depend on the nature of the subdivision. We recommend you speak to one of our Licensed Land Surveyors for your specific subdivision requirement.
    Is this job too small for you?
    We do a range of work from extensions to high-rise buildings, commercial and industrial buildings and subdivisions ranging from two-lots to new estates.
    Which Councils do you work with?
    We work with all councils within Metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
    Do you have Licensed Land Surveyors?
    We have Licensed Land Surveyors and field survey teams with extensive experience.
    Do you provide advocacy services?
    Our office provides advocacy services such as Council meetings, liaising with State Government authorities, and representation at VCAT and Planning Panels Victoria.
    What types of land survey services does your office undertake?
    We offer detailed Land Surveys, Land Subdivision, Subdivision of existing buildings, consolidation of Titles, re-alignment of Title boundaries, easement variation and adverse possession.
    Do you work with other professionals?
    We have an extensive network to a range of suppliers/consultants including Architects/Designers, Arborists, Ecologists, Traffic Engineers, Heritage Architects, Landscape Architects, Civil Engineers, Building Surveyors, Real Estate Agents, Buyers Advocates, Property Lawyers, Conveyancers.
    Do you draw plans?
    We draw detailed Land Survey Plans, which are relied upon by Architects/Designers/Civil Engineers.

    What to expect when you request a fee proposal:

    • Hear from us within 24 hours
    • Gain initial planning advice
    • Receive a written fee proposal

    Don’t go it alone.

    We understand how councils work and give you the best chance at a successful and timely planning permit.