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 Ararat Rural City, many projects need a planning permit under the Ararat Planning Scheme. A permit is typically required for:
- Building a new home or adding a second dwelling or townhouses in townships such as Ararat, Willaura or Lake Bolac, or for visitor accommodation near the Grampians
- Extensions or site works that trigger overlays like Bushfire Management, Land Subject to Inundation along waterways, Significant Landscape or Heritage in central Ararat
- Subdividing, consolidating or realigning lots in township, rural living or farming zones, or creating new vehicle access to the Western Highway or other declared roads
- Changing the use of land or premises, for example shop to café or brewery, warehouse to office or medical, and associated signage or liquor licence changes
Council rarely supports approval after works have started. Check the right pathway before construction to avoid compliance action.
Preliminary Planning Report
Our Preliminary Planning Report reviews your plans against the Ararat Planning Scheme, lists the exact zone and overlay triggers, and tests relevant particular provisions such as car parking, signs, licensed premises, native vegetation and access to declared roads. It also identifies likely referrals, for example CFA, the floodplain authority or the road authority, and gives a clear view on risks, next steps and the likelihood of approval.
Ararat Planning Scheme
The scheme sets the statutory framework for development. It includes the Municipal Planning Strategy and Planning Policy Framework, plus zone and overlay schedules. A strong Planning Report should map the controls on your title and address decision guidelines, with particular focus on bushfire response around the ranges, flooding along creeks, heritage streets in the town centre and highway interface design for businesses on key routes.
ResCode (Clause 54 and Clause 55) and Apartments (Clause 58)
These provisions guide detailed assessment of housing and apartments. They commonly cover:
- Siting and built form outcomes such as building height, setbacks and neighbourhood character in established streets and rural living edges
- Bushfire, flooding and landscape responses including defendable space, access and water supply, flood levels and appropriate materials and colours near the Grampians
- Parking and access requirements, vehicle crossings and any request to reduce on-site spaces
- Signage and amenity for highway and main street businesses, including external works and lighting
Planna prepares concise, clause by clause Planning Reports tailored to Ararat Rural City, helping streamline assessment and improve the chance of a timely permit.
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
