At InStep Planning we prepare the specialised environmental impact assessments and technical reports required to support Development Applications and planning approvals.
Our services include:
Exempt Development Assessment
Exempt development is minor development on land that meets the requirements of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008.
Exempt development may allow you to construct a retaining wall, deck or shed on your land without approval. It is important that an assessment of the exempt development provisions is undertaken prior to your construction. Unauthorised works are common and can result in a compliance order from Council, resulting in large costs and time delays.
Exempt development is also very important to understand whether you are able to operate your business in an existing commercial, retail, office or industrial premises.
InStep planning can complete an exempt development assessment to provide you with security that your project does not require development approval.
Complying Development
The complying development pathway is a streamlined approval process for specific development that is approved by a private certifying authority. To achieve complying development, the site must meet specified provisions and the development must adhere to strict development standards.
InStep Planning prepare complying development assessment to enable a private certifying authority issue a complying development certificate.
Development Applications
A development application is required for local development that requires consent from the relevant authority. This requires the preparation of a Statement of Environmental Effects and the management of subconsultants and technical reports to make a full application.
InStep Planning have the expertise to prepare a comprehensive Statement of Environmental Effects for any development and provide detailed guidance and management of technical documentation.
Designated Development
Designated development is a specific type of local development which requires a more extensive environmental assessment called an Environmental Impact Statement in accordance with Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs).
InStep Planning can identify whether your development requires an Environmental Impact Statement, request SEARs, prepare the Statement and manage any required technical input.
Development Standard Variation Reports (Clause 4.6)
There are times when your development does not meet the principal development standards stipulated under Part 4 of your Local Environmental Plan. Variation to one of the principal development standards requires a Development Standard Variation Report which provides a rigorous assessment and justification for the departure.
InStep Planning can determine whether a Development Standard Variation Report and prepare this Report if the variation can be supported.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Report
A CPTED Report assesses how the design of a development can influence safety and reduce opportunities for crime. The report considers factors such as natural surveillance, lighting, access control, building layout, and the overall sense of safety for future users. Councils often require a CPTED Report for developments such as apartment buildings, mixed-use projects, shopping centres, and public spaces to demonstrate that the proposal promotes a safe and secure environment.
InStep Planning prepares clear, practical CPTED Reports that meet council requirements and strengthen your Development Application. With expertise in both town planning and social impact, we ensure your project not only complies with safety standards but also creates positive outcomes for the community.
