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?
In The Hills Shire, you'll typically need a Development Application (DA) for new homes, dual occupancies, granny flats, residential additions or alterations, townhouses, apartment developments, commercial or industrial buildings, or changing the use of existing commercial properties such as cafés, restaurants, gyms, or retail shops.The Hills Shire is characterised by a mix of rapidly growing residential areas, established suburban neighbourhoods, and rural localities. Key areas of residential expansion include Box Hill, North Kellyville, and Gables, while established suburbs such as Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Kellyville, Rouse Hill, and Norwest emphasise managing urban density, protecting local amenity, and providing infrastructure alongside residential growth.Relevant planning documents applicable to developments within The Hills Shire include:
The Hills Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2019
The Hills Development Control Plan (DCP) 2012
State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008
Certain residential developments close to town centres and transport hubs such as Castle Hill, Norwest, Rouse Hill, and Kellyville may qualify for streamlined complying development approval under the Low Rise Housing Diversity Code (LMR Policy). If you're exploring your options or unsure about the specific planning controls applicable to your property, Planna recommends starting with a Preliminary Planning Report (PPR). This report clearly outlines permissible developments, identifies site-specific constraints such as infrastructure requirements, traffic management, or environmental issues, and provides tailored recommendations to secure approval from The Hills Shire Council.
The Hills Shire Council assesses Development Applications in detail, with particular attention to managing growth sustainably, protecting neighbourhood amenity, and ensuring new development integrates well with the existing suburban and rural character. After completing your preliminary assessment, you'll require a Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE). This document clearly demonstrates compliance with council’s local planning controls, specifically addressing residential density, traffic and parking impacts, infrastructure provision, environmental management, residential amenity, privacy, landscaping, and neighbourhood compatibility.Depending on your proposal’s specifics, additional specialist reports such as traffic studies, stormwater management plans, acoustic assessments, infrastructure reports, or landscape plans may also be necessary. Planna specialises in preparing detailed, tailored SEE reports specifically designed for The Hills Shire Council, significantly enhancing your application's efficiency and likelihood of timely 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