Site planning checklist: What you need before you submit your application

Submitting a development application can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time navigating the world of site planning and building approvals. Councils want to see that you understand the site, respect planning controls, and have thought through how your project fits into the surrounding environment. Missing a detail early on can lead to delays, redesigns, and frustration.

As a town planner, I often tell developers that the key to a smooth approval process is preparation. Before you even submit your development application, it pays to check that your site planning fundamentals are covered.

Understanding the site

The first step in site planning is knowing your site inside and out. Zoning rules, overlays, and special controls influence what you can build and where. Height restrictions, setbacks, floor space ratios, and site coverage all need to be accounted for. Even minor constraints, like heritage elements or neighbourhood character guidelines, can affect your design.

A common mistake is assuming every site is the same. Every lot has unique characteristics that councils will assess closely during the development application process. Tools like Planna can help you run quick, low-risk checks to see what is permissible, which saves time and avoids costly surprises later.

Preparing your plans

Once you understand your site, the next step is preparing a comprehensive set of plans. This includes the site layout, building footprint, access and parking, landscaping, waste management, and how the design interacts with neighbouring properties.

A development application will rarely be approved if the site plan is incomplete or poorly considered. Poorly detailed plans often lead to multiple rounds of council feedback, which slows down the process. Planna’s reports provide clear guidance on building planning requirements and can flag potential issues early so you can adjust your design before submission. This makes the process faster and reduces stress.

Assessing contextual impacts

Councils assess more than just the building itself. They look at how your proposal fits within the streetscape and broader environment. Overshadowing, overlooking, stormwater management, traffic flow, and parking are all considered. Planning authorities are focused on public amenity, so taking these into account from the start shows that you’ve done your homework.

First-time developers often underestimate these impacts. By checking these factors early, you reduce the likelihood of redesigns and can provide council with a clearer, more complete development application.

Common pitfalls

The main causes of delays in development applications are incomplete documentation, last-minute design changes, and misinterpretation of local planning rules. Not considering these elements upfront can lead to stress, wasted time, and unexpected costs. Using tools like Planna can give you confidence that your site planning is on point, helping prevent these common pitfalls.

How Planna supports developers

Planna is a practical resource for developers who want clarity without committing to a full planning consultancy from day one. Its reports provide fast, reliable checks on site planning requirements, highlight low-risk issues, and help ensure your development application is complete and compliant. For smaller projects or early-stage feasibility work, it’s affordable and saves weeks of back-and-forth with consultants and council.

Using Planna allows you to focus on design and project management rather than spending hours interpreting planning rules. It also gives your team a shared reference, so everyone knows what is achievable and what needs to be adjusted.

Planning smarter for faster approvals

Successful site planning starts well before your development application is submitted. By understanding your site, preparing detailed plans, and considering contextual impacts, you set your project up for a smoother, faster approval process.

Whether you’re planning a small dual-occupancy development, a townhouse project, or a larger infill site, using tools like Planna ensures you have the fundamentals right from the start. It helps prevent delays, reduces risk, and makes the entire planning and building process far more predictable.