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Author
Scott Bidmead

Simply planning: How to fast track a small development application without the stress

January 9, 2026
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3 MIN READ

Small development applications can feel deceptively simple. You might think it is just a form and some plans, but anyone who has spent time chasing council approvals knows even minor projects can slow down quickly. Missing documents, unclear controls, and unexpected information requests can turn a straightforward job into a headache.

That is where simply planning and a town planner can make a difference. With the right approach, you can fast track your application and avoid unnecessary delays.

Understand the pathway before you start

Even small applications have different options depending on the council and project type. Some projects are exempt, some require a Complying Development Certificate, and others need a full development application. Knowing which path applies saves time and reduces stress.

A town planner can assess your site quickly and advise on the fastest, lowest risk route. With simply planning tools like Planna, you can check compliance, understand planning controls, and get early visibility on potential issues before you even lodge the application.

Documentation done right the first time

One of the biggest sources of delay is incomplete or incorrect documentation. Councils do not reject everything outright, they request missing information, which can add weeks to your timeline.

Using a town planner or a platform like Planna ensures that your development application includes all the required statements, reports, and plans formatted the way council expects. This approach prevents back and forth and keeps your project moving smoothly.

Avoid misunderstandings with council

Even minor projects can stall if the assessor interprets something differently from the applicant. A town planner speaks council language and can present the project clearly to prevent confusion.

Simply planning tools also help by guiding you through council requirements and highlighting issues that could otherwise lead to delays. You gain confidence that your application will be understood and assessed correctly from the start.

Affordable and fast for low risk projects

Hiring a town planner is often associated with large, complex projects, but small projects benefit too. Planna makes it affordable to get expert guidance and fast documentation, especially for low risk projects. You pay for clarity and prevention of delays rather than a full consultancy, and turnaround times are dramatically shorter than traditional methods.

With a 48 to 72 hour review, your development application can be prepared quickly and accurately, giving you peace of mind and a clear path to approval without the usual stress.

Why simply planning works

Simply planning a small development application is about working smarter, not harder. Leveraging a town planner or tools like Planna ensures you understand the rules, avoid common delays, and fast track approval. Low risk projects should not feel complicated, and with the right preparation, council approval can be achieved quickly, efficiently, and without unnecessary stress.

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