Finding the Planning Process too complex,
time-consuming or just plain boring?
Wouldn’t it be great if you had someone who:
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has worked in local government planning decision making and understands the process inside-out to guide you?
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can explain everything in simple everyday language and concepts?
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cares about the outcome as much as you do?
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will advocate for your project?
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is committed to keeping you informed (and doesn’t mind a bit of banter in the process)?
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We hear you and we’ve got your back!
How We Work
Our Projects
Extension to Dwelling in Heritage Overlay
313 Lyons Street, Ballarat Central
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The application proposed an extension to the rear of a late Victorian brick dwelling on a contributory site in the heritage overlay.
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The proposal involved an addition to the side and rear which retained significant aspects of the existing dwelling whilst providing a contemporary open plan living and entertaining area.
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The planning submission, advocacy and design resulted in a smooth process through council, with no objections being received and planning permission issued in a timely manner.
Testimonial
“From the time we asked Leah for a proposal, to head up our town planning application, it was clear she had taken her time to consider our design and develop a bespoke strategy to ensure the very best outcome for us.
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Our project consisted of alterations and additions to a central, double brick, Victorian property in a heritage overlay. After so much effort in getting the design just right, the investment in an expert town planning consultant was an investment in ensuring our perfect design stayed perfect.
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Leah applied her intimate understanding of Council’s requirements to remove unnecessary details from our documentation and mitigate the risk of objection. An understanding that was acquired from working for over a decade on the receiving end of town planning applications, in her previous role with Council.
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We received no objections and obtained our town planning permit in record time!
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Anyone applying for a town planning permit should have a consultant... and that consultant should be Leah.”
Steve Allen, Nicholson Construction
New Dwelling in Heritage Overlay
7B Seymour Crescent, Soldiers Hill
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The application proposed a new multi storey dwelling on a sloping site within the heritage overlay. The proposal achieved a modern design taking advantage of views across Ballarat, whilst still ensuring that it complemented the heritage streetscape along Seymour Crescent.
The application received significant community interest resulting is several objections being received. The objectors concerns were all worked through by Inception Planning resulting in council support with no appeals lodged at VCAT.
Testimonial
"A massive thank you to Leah at Inception Planning for all of your hard work in obtaining a planning permit for 7b Seymour Crescent.
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We put on offer on this block of land at 7b Seymour Crescent subject to a planning permit being granted. This wasn’t going to easy as it is a large sloping block that most people don’t even want to look at.
Our first step was to find someone to help us through the process on obtaining a planning permit.
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We asked our architect Ryan Adamson for his opinion, and he highly recommended we use Leah Clark from Inception Planning. This worked out to be a blessing.
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Straight after meeting with Leah we felt a really good vibe from her, she was very passionate and very confident in what she was doing, we didn’t hesitate to give her the job.
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Leah dealt with a large amount of objections on this proposed build. We didn’t think it was going to be a great outcome for us with the amount of objections that came through.
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Leah worked each case one by one, dealing with us, and Ryan Adamson to come up with the final design which we loved, and all objectors bar one liked as well. One by one the objectors needs were met in a professional manner. It was amazing to see actually, Leah was extremely dedicated to get us over the line on this one.
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Leah advertised over the Christmas break and the only objector left didn’t have anything else to say. We now have planning through, purchased the block and can’t wait to build something pretty special on it.
We loved that Leah kept us up to date along the way with every little detail of what was happening at the time. Most of all there wasn’t any doubt in Leah’s mind that this wasn’t getting passed. So thankyou yet again Leah, couldn’t of done it without you."
Mike and Alex Bomitali, Bomitali Constructions
Warehouse Development
12 Gregory Street West, Lake Gardens
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Inception Planning was engaged to prepare the planning submission and run the planning process for the development of four warehouses and associated subdivision at 12 Gregory Street West Lake Gardens.
The development design achieves a modern and active interface with the adjoining residential development resulting in an attractive streetscape presence.
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The application moved straight to advertising and did not require a further information request for council resulting in a quicker approval process. The application was approved by council and subsequently Inception Planning has been engaged to project manage the post approvals process.
Testimonial
“Due to the compact nature and location of this development I was aware the design needed to be well considered.
With knowledge of previous developments having multiple objections from the abutting residential neighbourhood, it was important to address all potential problems, while still creating a viable development for the site.
A meeting with Leah, prior to design works, highlighted some potential issues early in the process. This forward thinking allowed for a more thoughtful design, with possible complications being addressed during the design phase, rather than having to be rectified or modified later.
The amazing team at Inception Planning have a great understanding of all concepts and guidelines required in the planning permit phase of a project, and pride themselves in the ability to simplify technical jargon into layman’s terms.
Without the skillset, knowledge and passion from the team at Inception Planning I don’t believe we would have had a prompt response and approval for this project.
I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Inception Planning and am excited to see this Development come to life.”
James Stapleton, Building Design and Drafting
Residential Development and Subdivision
200A Victoria Street, Ballarat East
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Hudson Ridge Builders engaged Inception Planning in the project management of the various planning approvals for their site at 200A Victoria Street. The site has a complex history, with many stakeholders and had been vacant for some time.
Testimonial
“Initially there was the navigation of the heritage overlay and siting of dwellings along the Victoria Street frontage. This then progressed to a 12 Townhouse subdivision and Inception Planning were invaluable in their assistance with the complexities of developing 12 dwellings and obtaining titles prior to the build process commencing.
Running in conjunction with these approvals Inception Planning project managed obtaining subdivision approvals for the remainder of the site. This included liaising with the former residents to ensure the naming of streets provided a legacy to the wonderful memories they have, whilst working through intensifying development within close proximity to the supermarket which helped soften the commercial and residential integration.
Hudson Ridge rely on strong partnerships with quality individuals and businesses and Leah Clark & Inception Planning are valued partners.”
Darren Fraser, Managing Director, Hudson Ridge Builders
