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 Willoughby, you will generally require a Development Application (DA) for projects such as building or renovating homes, dual occupancies, granny flats, townhouses, apartment developments, commercial or industrial buildings, or changing the use of commercial spaces like cafés, restaurants, gyms, or retail shops.
Willoughby City is characterised by established residential neighbourhoods, significant heritage precincts, vibrant commercial hubs, and major employment centres such as Chatswood. Planning controls prioritise heritage preservation, managing urban density, protecting neighbourhood character, maintaining residential amenity, and addressing traffic and parking concerns. Key suburbs include Chatswood, Artarmon, Willoughby, Northbridge, Castlecrag, and Naremburn, each with distinct planning priorities and sensitivities. Local planning documents relevant to developments within Willoughby include:
Willoughby Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2012
Willoughby Development Control Plan (DCP) 2016
State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008
Certain residential developments near centres and transport hubs, such as Chatswood and Artarmon, may qualify for streamlined complying development approvals under the Low Rise Housing Diversity Code (LMR Policy).
If you're exploring development possibilities or need clarity on specific local planning controls relevant to your property, Planna recommends beginning with a Preliminary Planning Report (PPR). This report clearly identifies permissible developments, reviews site-specific planning constraints such as heritage issues, traffic impacts, or neighbourhood compatibility, and provides clear guidance tailored to Willoughby City Council’s planning requirements.
Willoughby City Council carefully evaluates Development Applications to ensure they align closely with community expectations, local heritage values, and neighbourhood character. Following your preliminary assessment, you will need a Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE). This document clearly demonstrates compliance with local planning controls and specifically addresses key priorities such as heritage compatibility, urban design quality, residential amenity (privacy and overshadowing), landscaping, traffic and parking impacts, and overall neighbourhood integration.Depending on your proposal, additional specialist reports such as heritage assessments, traffic studies, acoustic reports, arborist reports, or landscape plans may also be necessary. Planna specialises in preparing detailed, locally tailored SEE reports specifically designed for Willoughby City Council, significantly enhancing your project'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
A message from Planna
You're not alone,
We were frustrated with the standard town planning approach: waiting months for reports and spending thousands of dollars. Town Planners charging for admin when you only really need the core reports for a Development Application. Whether it’s a renovation, changing the use of your business, or a tricky development, you might be asking:
- Do I have to wait 6-12 weeks for a town planner?
- How do I meet all of the compliance requirements?
- How can I maximise my outcomes?
- How can I increase my chances of approval?
With our proven method, you can submit your Development Application in days, not weeks. And if council isn't happy with your Planna Report (unlikely), we will give you a full refund.
Sincerely,
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
