Our urban planners regularly assess the feasibility and constraints of development projects, providing clients with key insights before acquisition or development begins.

Services include:

• Land use and zoning analysis

• Advice on territory and local policies (e.g., ACT Planning System)

• Strategy development for planning pathways

• Crown lease review and advice

• Planning risk identification

• Environmental and heritage constraints review

• Recommendations on highest and best use

• Associated 3D Massings and yield analysis

• Site feasibility assessments

• Infrastructure and servicing assessment

Strategic planning refers to long-term planning work for government, developers or institutions which is designed to shape policy, precincts or growth. Purdon are experienced in the following:

• Planning policy development, including both statutory and non-statutory documents

• Preparation of master plans and structure plans

• Urban renewal and precinct planning

• Growth area analysis and land release planning

• Design guidance and visioning frameworks

• Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams (urban designers, architects, engineers) to generate sustainable planning outcomes which meet the needs of the community they serve

Changes to the Territory Plan (ACT) or relevant Local Environment Plan (NSW) or other strategic documents often require input from experienced planners. We are experienced in:

• Drafting and submission of Major and Minor Plan Amendment proposals

• Drafting and submission of NSW planning proposals

• Strategic justification of proposed amendments

• Engagement with Strategic Planning teams at Council or the Territory Planning Authority

• Community and stakeholder engagement strategies

• Assessment of broader planning impacts (urban design, transport, infrastructure)

• Preparation of supporting studies and documentation

Purdon can guide you through the DA process, from concept through approval, including:

• Pre-DA consultation with Territory Planning Authority/Council/National Capital Authority and stakeholders

• Coordination of supporting reports (traffic, heritage, environment, etc.)

• Review of architectural, landscape and engineering plans for planning compliance

• DA/WA report preparation and submission

• Management of DA/WA referrals and RFI responses

• Amendments to existing development approvals/Works Approvals

• Reconsideration of authority decisions

• Appeals and representation in ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) if needed

Modification of Crown leases is a common planning process in the ACT to change uses, consolidate blocks, adjust boundaries or development rights.

Purdon can assist with:

• Crown lease advice and interpretation

• Preparation and submission of lease variation applications

• Change of use approvals

• Gross Floor Area (GFA) variations and charges advice

• Subdivision or consolidation of leases

• Negotiation with the Territory Planning Authority

• Responding to third-party representations and objections

We have the skills and experience to provide expert witness services in ACAT including:

• Preparation of expert planning reports

• Appearance at ACAT or other hearings

• Peer review of other planning evidence

• Expert conferencing and joint reports

• Assistance with legal strategy and case preparation

• Review of compliance with the Territory Plan and statutory frameworks

• Land valuation and development potential analysis from a planning perspective

Direct Sales Applications involve securing government-owned land through a formal application process, particularly common in the ACT. Purdon can assist with:

• Site selection and eligibility assessments

• Preparation of direct sale justification reports

• Strategy and identification of required material to support applications

• Preparation of concept planning material to support applications

• Liaison with agencies

• Strategic alignment with government land release policies