Town Planning Reports & Assessments
A Development Application is only as strong as the planning argument attached to it. These are the reports that make that argument: a preliminary assessment before you commit, a Statement of Environmental Effects at lodgement, and a Clause 4.6 or DCP justification where the proposal needs to depart from a control. We prepare them as standalone commissions as well as part of a full approval scope.
Free consultation
- PPA 5–7 business days · SEE 1–2 weeks · Clause 4.6 1–2 weeks
- PPA from $950 + GST · SEE from $1,850 + GST · Clause 4.6 from $2,400 + GST
- Quoted fixed after a free scope check
The four core reports
Each of the pages below covers what the report is, when it is required, what it costs and how long it takes.
How these fit together
A preliminary planning assessment comes first, before drawings, and answers whether the proposal is achievable and by which pathway. A Statement of Environmental Effects is prepared at lodgement and is the planning case for the proposal as drawn. Where the design exceeds a development standard, a Clause 4.6 variation request carries the specific statutory argument for why that is acceptable. Where it departs from a DCP control instead, a DCP variation justification does the equivalent job under a different test.
Getting the last two right is what separates a variation that is granted from one that becomes a refusal.
For referring architects and designers
We work behind other practices regularly. That means turnaround commitments rather than best endeavours, documentation formatted to drop into your package, and a choice about whether we speak to your client directly or only to you. Select the referral option on the contact form and it goes straight to a senior planner.
What we take off your hands
What EHUP handles
- Assessment against the LEP, DCP and any relevant SEPP
- The written planning argument, including variation justification
- Turnaround commitments for referring architects and designers
- Direct liaison with your client where you prefer us to
What you don't have to deal with
- Writing planning argument that is not your discipline
- A report that reads as generic and invites a request for further information
Choose your situation
Preliminary Planning Assessment
A preliminary planning assessment is the report you commission before spending money on design.
Statement of Environmental Effects
A Statement of Environmental Effects is the mandatory planning report accompanying a Development Application.
Clause 4.6 Variation
Where a proposal exceeds a development standard in the LEP - most commonly building height or floor space ratio - a Clause 4.6 variation request is the mechanism that allows consent to be granted anyway.
DCP Variation Justification
A Development Control Plan sets out council guidelines rather than statutory development standards.
Frequently asked questions
Can I commission a single report without engaging you for the whole approval?
Yes. A substantial share of this work comes from architects, building designers and draftspeople assembling a DA package who need one specialist piece. We quote it as a standalone commission with a stated turnaround, and we are happy to deal directly with your client or stay entirely behind you - your call.
What turnaround can you commit to?
A preliminary planning assessment in five to seven business days, a Statement of Environmental Effects in one to two weeks, and a Clause 4.6 request in one to two weeks from receipt of complete drawings. If your lodgement date is tighter than that, tell us and we will say yes or no rather than hedging.
Which report does my project need?
Every DA needs a Statement of Environmental Effects. A Clause 4.6 request is needed where the proposal exceeds a development standard in the LEP - typically height or floor space ratio. A DCP variation justification covers departures from DCP controls, which are guidelines rather than standards and are argued differently. A preliminary planning assessment is the before-you-commit report.
Related services
Design Services
Drawings and technical design are where most applications either succeed or generate a request for further information.
Specialist Reports
Most applications of any size need reports from specialists outside town planning.
Development Application (DA)
A Development Application is the merit-assessed approval pathway.
Why clients choose EHUP
- 10+
- 250+
- 14
- 1
Not sure which approval you need?
Tell us the address and what you want to do. We'll help identify the appropriate planning pathway, whether it is exempt development, complying development or a full DA. Your first conversation is free.