Frequently Asked Questions

Answer: We have a wide range of town planning services available that include:

At Planning Insights we are more than happy to discuss your Town Planning related inquiry, we offer first contact and review free of charge so make sure you call us for a chat!!

At Planning Insights we are more than happy to discuss your Town Planning related inquiry, we offer first contact and review free of charge so make sure you call us for a chat!!

Answer: An initial phone call won’t cost you anything! We are more than happy to provide general advice and point you in the right direction! Planning Insights ‘typically’ charge consulting fees where asked to provide specific professional opinion either verbally, or in written format (i.e. email or formal letter). In terms of how much, that will depend of the level of detail however we can start with initial written advice for a fee as low as $40.00 + GST. Got an inquiry? Do you need to understand certain aspects of town planning in relation to your site? Give us a call to discuss how we can tailor our investigations and advice to your needs!

Answer: in certain circumstances a number of Queensland Councils make provision for what’s commonly referred to as a granny flat. For example, Brisbane City Council refers to them as secondary dwelling and Logan City Council refers to them as either secondary dwelling or auxiliary dwelling. Are you considering a granny flat on your house site? We recommend you give us a call to discuss requirements relating to your property.

Answer: Town planning rules/regulations generally don’t affect removal/demolition of houses in Queensland’s Council’s however town plans and other planning provisions can identify and regulate removal/demolition specific houses in certain zones, overlays, precincts, or heritage designations. We note that removal/demolition of a house would always require a building works permit (which is separate to town planning). Are you considering removal/demolition of a house? Give us a call to discuss requirements relating to your property.

Answer: The purpose of the RiskSMART assessment program is to expedite compliant development projects requiring town planning approval. Generally, projects that qualify for any RiskSMART assessment program have demonstrated a high level of compliance with the town planning criteria and other relevant planning instruments. In short there are many projects that ‘can’ be assessed under RiskSMART however further review will be required to accurately determine if a project does qualify. Do you have a RiskSMART project? Let us check it out and discuss your options.

Answer: Costs to procure a development permit can vary from project to project. Basic cost assumptions are likely to incur at least the following professionals (depending on development type and location):

Note: additional costs would be incurred for post approval compliance.

Answer: All Queensland Councils have an ‘adopted infrastructure charges resolution’. All Council adopted infrastructure charges resolution documents can be down loaded off Council websites. Having trouble? Give us a call and we will find the relevant document for you and explain the charges.