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 Ballarat City, many projects need a planning permit under the Ballarat Planning Scheme. A permit is typically required for:
- New homes, a second dwelling or multi-unit infill in established suburbs such as Alfredton, Canadian, Sebastopol, Wendouree and Miners Rest
- Extensions or site works that trigger common local overlays, for example Heritage in central Ballarat, flooding along the Yarrowee corridor, or bushfire on the urban fringe near Mount Clear and Canadian Forest
- Subdivision or boundary realignment in growth areas like Lucas, Winter Valley and Delacombe, including common property changes
- Changing the use of land or premises, for example shop to café or restaurant, warehouse to gym or medical, short-stay accommodation in heritage shopfronts, often with signage or liquor-licence changes
Council rarely supports approval after works have begun. Confirm the correct pathway before construction to avoid compliance action.
Preliminary Planning Report
Our Preliminary Planning Report tests your proposal against the Ballarat Planning Scheme, lists the exact zone and overlay triggers, and checks key particular provisions such as car parking, signs, licensed premises and bicycle facilities. It also identifies likely referrals, for example the floodplain authority, Heritage advice or the road authority, and provides risks, next steps and an indicative likelihood of approval, including whether VicSmart applies to minor shopfront or façade works.
Ballarat Planning Scheme
The scheme sets the statutory framework for development. It includes the Municipal Planning Strategy and Planning Policy Framework, zone schedules and overlay schedules. A strong Planning Report will map your controls in VicPlan and address decision guidelines with a local focus on heritage streetscapes around Sturt and Lydiard Streets, flooding constraints along Yarrowee and Gnarr Creek, growth-area structure plans in Lucas and Winter Valley, and any environmental audit requirements near former industrial land in Delacombe or Wendouree.
ResCode (Clause 54/55) and Apartments (Clause 58)
These provisions guide detailed assessment of housing and apartments. Expect clear responses on:
- Neighbourhood character and upper-level setbacks in heritage precincts and established streets
- Overshadowing, overlooking and winter solar access to private open space
- Site coverage, permeability and canopy planting suited to Ballarat’s climate
- Access and parking under Clause 52.06, signage outcomes in heritage areas under Clause 52.05, and licensed premises considerations under Clause 52.27
Planna prepares concise, clause-by-clause Planning Reports tailored to Ballarat City to 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
