Planna prepares comprehensive Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE), Preliminary Planning Reports (PPR) and Town Planning Reports for council approval. Fast and reliable.

When is a Development Application (DA) Required?
You’ll need a Development Application (DA) with Hornsby Shire Council for new dwellings, dual occupancies, granny flats, residential alterations and additions, townhouses, apartments, commercial and industrial premises, or for changing the use of commercial properties such as cafés, restaurants, gyms, or retail shops. Hornsby Shire Council manages development according to local priorities, such as protecting bushland environments, preserving heritage areas, managing bushfire risks, biodiversity conservation, and maintaining suburban amenity, especially in suburbs like Hornsby, Waitara, Pennant Hills, Asquith, Cherrybrook, Berowra, and rural communities around Glenorie and Galston.
To confirm if your project requires a DA, the following planning instruments must be checked:
- State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008
- Hornsby Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2013
- Hornsby Development Control Plan (DCP) 2013
Certain residential developments near Hornsby’s key centres and transport hubs, such as Hornsby town centre, Waitara, Pennant Hills, and Asquith, may qualify for streamlined complying development under the Low Rise Housing Diversity Code (LMR Policy). If you're unsure about the best development approach or exploring different options, Planna recommends beginning with a Preliminary Planning Report (PPR). This report clearly identifies permissible development, relevant constraints including bushfire, biodiversity, and heritage considerations, and suggests the most suitable pathway tailored specifically to your site.
Hornsby Shire Council carefully assesses DAs, reflecting its emphasis on environmental values, heritage, and suburban amenity. After completing your preliminary planning assessment, you’ll require a Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE). This document clearly demonstrates compliance with local planning controls and specifically addresses bushfire safety, heritage preservation, biodiversity conservation, landscape integration, traffic management, residential amenity, and neighbourhood character.Depending on your project’s location and specifics, additional specialist documentation such as bushfire assessments, biodiversity studies, heritage reports, traffic impact assessments, or arborist reports may be required. Planna specialises in preparing targeted, detailed SEE reports specifically tailored to Hornsby Shire Council’s planning requirements, significantly improving your application’s efficiency and likelihood of approval.
What is
Planna is an Australian based team of expert town planners, leveraging an innovative approach to securing council approval. With our proven method, you can submit your Development Application in days, not weeks. Planna specialised in comprehensive Statement of Environmental Effects, and Preliminary Planning for council approval.
Same day report delivery
Money back guarantee on reports
Features
98% approval rate over 3000+ submissions
Free consult with registered Town Planner
Quality guarantee or money back
Compliant with all Acts, Regulations, SEPP, LEP, DCP, and NSW Councils
Proven Process
Claim your free consultation, or give us a call
We identify the best path to approval
Your reports are prepared by our in-house team of town planners and ex-council officers
Receive your finalised reports within 48 hours - ready for council submission, with quality guaranteed
Frequently asked questions
With Planna, you can get your Development Application package ready for submission within 24 hours; council assessment times vary.
Planna is on average 80% cheaper than traditional town planners, with the same outcome. Most firms will charge you thousands for admin, when you really only need the core deliverables.
With a 98% approval rate, we ensure your reports will meet all council requirements. If the council does request additional information, we can easily update this through the dashboard.
Our team of expert planners and ex council officers are on hand to provide support, justifications and report reviews throughout the process.
We used Planna for our renovation. It was cheaper and faster than traditional firms. Highly recommended for any project.
— Frances and John, Albury, NSW
Planna made our development process possible. Detailed reports and quick compliance checks avoided long waits and high costs. Great alternative for quick planning services.
— Michael and Lisa, Melbourne, VIC