For many landowners and developers, engaging a town planner is an afterthought, and something that typically happens when a project is ready to lodge a development application. Oftentimes, it’s simply a case of not knowing otherwise. In practice however, involving a reputable planner early in the process can offer significant value, particularly in helping to identify opportunities, manage constraints and to navigate planning pathways, which is helpful in establishing stronger foundations for future planning outcomes.

Whether it’s contributing to a structure plan review, responding to a rezoning opportunity or exploring the long-term potential of a site, early strategic planning helps inform decision-making and can influence the policies and planning controls that shape future development. It also provides an opportunity to engage with councils and government agencies, offering a platform to discuss development goals, and to improve plans and ideas should it be suggested of value prior to progressing further.

At Habitat Planning, we were recently engaged for several projects which focused on supporting strategic planning processes to improve site potential, prior to the preparation of a formal development application.

In Sydney’s Burwood North precinct, we worked with several landowners to prepare a submission on the Burwood North Explanation of Intended Effects, proposing increased building heights and densities to accommodate approximately 18,300 new homes. Supported by planning analysis and high-level development concepts, our work sought to demonstrate the development potential of the land and inform future rezoning decisions.

Closer to Canberra, Habitat partnered with landowners and PHL Surveyors to contribute to the review of the Bungendore Structure Plan. Drawing on demographic research, housing demand and supply analysis, affordability data and development trends, the work examined opportunities to support greater housing diversity and reduce minimum lot sizes within the historic township. The analysis also highlighted the potential long-term implications for housing affordability and infill development if existing planning settings were to remain unchanged.

We also worked with a separate landowner on the outskirts of Bungendore, NSW alongside CBR Consulting Pty Ltd, to investigate future opportunities for large lot residential development. The assessment identified limited supply of this housing typology across the capital region and explored how future planning processes could respond to community demand while supporting the town’s long-term growth.

Collectively, these projects highlight the value in undertaking important planning work prior to a development application being lodged. Early strategic input is valuable in helping landowners to better understand the potential of their site, contribute meaningfully to planning policy reviews and to establish clear pathways for future rezonings and development proposals.

Importantly, engaging planning expertise early offers a coordinated approach to navigating both land use planning and government decision-making processes. By preparing a strong evidence base and advocating for planning outcomes that are well considered, landowners are better positioned to be able to communicate their vision, respond to evolving policy settings and to progress future applications with greater certainty. In many cases, a proactive approach can make all the difference in achieving successful long-term outcomes.