Town Planning and Development Solutions in step with your vision
At InStep Planning, we work alongside you to simplify the development process and help bring your vision to life. We deliver practical advice and development approval pathways tailored to your site and project.
Pre-Planning Advice
Pre-Planning Advice can reduce your development risk and clarify your vision. At InStep Planning we review the relevant environmental planning instruments to determine the most effective planning approval pathway. Review of the environmental constraints of your site will identify the key issues to managed during the assessment process.
Development Approvals
InStep Planning provides expert guidance through the complex planning framework. We are here to provide streamlined and expert-driven solutions to tackle intricate projects both big and small. Whether navigating planning proposals or local and regional development, InStep Planning is here to support your approval process.
Social Planning
All development, whether big or small, results in some level of impact to the surrounding locality. InStep Planning are qualified professionals to provide social services to understand your projects social impact. We provide recommendations tailored to your development to have a positive social, environmental and economic outcome.
Why Clients Choose InStep Planning?
- Fast, reliable planning advice and documentation
- Clear pathways through complex planning approval processes
- Personalised service, tailored to your project with a focus on practical outcomes
- Specialist expertise in Social Planning and Community Consultation
Whether you’re an architect, developer, or just starting your first project, we’re here to guide you through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions?
The NSW Planning Framework is complex legislation that is always changing. Professional advice can take the complexity out of your next development.
What does preliminary planning advice involve and why do you need it before purchasing a property or lodging a DA?
Preliminary planning advice provides a desktop overview of the development site’s statutory, non-statutory and environmental constraints. It reviews the development proposal to determine an appropriate planning approval pathway and identify risks that could delay your project.
What is the difference between exempt and complying development, and how do I know if my project qualifies?
In NSW, some minor works (like small sheds, fences, or internal renovations) may qualify as exempt development, meaning no approval is required.
Other straightforward projects (like certain dwellings, extensions, or granny flats) may be eligible for complying development, which allows a fast-tracked approval through a Complying Development Certificate (CDC).
InStep Planning can assess your project early and advise whether it qualifies as exempt or complying development — saving you time, money, and unnecessary applications.
When do I need a Development Application (DA)?
You need a DA when your project is not exempt development and doesn’t qualify as complying development. Most new buildings, significant renovations, changes of land use, subdivisions, or developments that don’t meet development standards will require a DA.
InStep Planning can review your proposal early and confirm whether a DA is required — and guide you through the approval process.
What is the difference between development standards and a Development Control Plan (DCP)?
Development standards are mandatory rules in planning legislation. Development standards are found in State Environmental Planning Policies and Local Environmental Plans.
A DCP provides development controls to guide specific development on design and site planning (e.g. landscaping, parking, neighbourhood character).
Development Standards are binding, while DCPs are flexible but still considered in Council assessments.
What happens if my development does not meet a development standard or a Development Control Plan (DCP)?
If you don’t meet a development standard (in an LEP), you’ll need to submit a Clause 4.6 variation report to justify why approval should still be granted.
If you don’t meet a DCP control, there’s more flexibility. You can propose an alternative solution, but you’ll need to show the outcome still achieves the planning objectives.
InStep Planning can prepare the right reports and justification to give your project the best chance of approval.
How can rezoning help my development project?
If your development is prohibited in the current zoning, a land use rezoning may be the best course of action.
InStep Planning prepares Rezoning Reports and provides strategic advice to guide you through this complex process, giving your project the best chance of success.
What is a Social Impact Assessment, and who needs one?
For larger or state significant projects, councils and the NSW Department of Planning may require a Social Impact Assessment (SIA). An SIA evaluates how a development affects local and vulnerable communities.
InStep Planning specialises in SIAs and related reports, helping ensure developments deliver positive outcomes and address community concerns.
Services Areas
Expert advice and tailored development planning solutions to take your project from concept to completion
Locations We Serve:
- Port Stephens
- Newcastle
- Central Coast
- Lake Macquarie
- Sydney
- Maitland
- Cessnock
- Singleton
- MidCoast
- Regional NSW
Acknowledgement to Country
InStep Planning acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the various lands in which we live, work and operate. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and extend this respect to all First Nations peoples and their connection to the Country across Australia. We understand that acknowledgement of Country is a small but significant step towards building inclusive, respectful societies and is in line with our company ethos of helping to meet the future needs of all communities in which we work and operate.