Secondary Dwellings - Outlook Planning and Development

Our Articles and Information

Review of Environmental Factors (REF)

A REF (review of environmental factors) is a document prepared by a consultant and submitted to the relevant consent authority.

Sex Service (Brothel) approvals

We look at the the ins and outs of obtaining an approval for Sex Services (Brothel) within NSW and what you need to consider with a site and application.

How to write a statement of environmental effects

The statement of environmental effects is a document that most people are confused by. We offer advice on how to write a good quality statement of environmental effects!

Statement of Environmental Effects Template

We now offer template statement of environmental effects for development applications so you can fill out your own report based on your development. Buy our template statement of environmental effects report.

Outsourcing the Statement of Environmental Effects – A case study for building designers

Building Designers! Outsource your statement of environmental effects to Outlook Planning and Development and save time and money! Let us deal with the report so you can focus on the plans!

Property Development Spotlight: Beresfield

Beresfield is one of the biggest hot spots within the Newcastle area with investors and first home buyers flocking to the area to score great prices for great blocks of land. We look at what to look for for development within the area and how to maximise on your investments including dual occupancies and subdivisions.

Getting approval for unapproved developments

Unapproved works is one of our most common jobs for Outlook Planning and Development. Read our article on what to do and how to deal with the scary letters from Council!

Subdivision of rural zoned land

We explain what to consider when planning a rural subdivision and the various costs and reports associated.

Thornton Developments Booming

Thornton and Chisholm has become a booming area for investors and first home buyers wanting to leave Sydney and head towards the Hunter Valley. The greater Maitland area is a booming area with plenty of land available for developers.

What can I build without Council Approval?

We explain what types of development you can do without any Council approval for everyone doing their home renovations. Read all about exempt development and what you can build this weekend after a trip to Bunnings to get your DIY tools.

Complying Development Certificates

Want to build a house or renovate but don’t want the hassle of a development application. You might be able to get approval through a private certifier. We take some time to explain what a complying development is and the steps you need to take to obtain a CDC through a private certifier.

Guide to Heritage Impact Statements

Heritage Impact Statements are essential for any development involving a heritage item or heritage conservation area. We go into some of the basics of what makes up a heritage impact statement and who should be preparing them for your development.

How To Write a Development Application Objection Letter

Council Das can cause a lot of stress! Have you received a notification in the mail about a development application and want to write a submission. We outline some steps to help you prepare a development application objection letter.

Western Sydney Airport Terminal Unveiled

The first concept designs for Western Sydney Airport Terminal have been unveiled.

New Generation Boarding Houses

New generation boarding houses have a lot of negativity at the moment with developers obtaining approvals for large scale boarding house developments. So what exactly is a new generation boarding house?

Northern Beaches Dual Occupancy for beginners

Northern Beaches Town Planners explain Dual occupancy facts on the Northern Beaches including Pittwater, Warringah and Manly. We provide some information on dual occupancy developments on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Where you should be looking and what you should be considering.

Reducing Car Parking in CBDs

We explore the theory that as the amount of parking decreases, the appeal of driving gives way to more environmentally friendly transport modes such as walking, cycling, ride-hailing, car pooling and public transport.

Some evidence suggests reducing or capping parking pays off. In cities that have implemented these measures, driving has declined and public transport use has increased.

SFS Stadium Redevelopment seeks new construction company

The redevelopment of the Sydney Football Stadium has been full of controversy with a massive public backlash to the development.

The development has been subject to a lot of public debate with questions as to why the NSW Government are demolishing a functioning stadium instead of upgrading the stadium at a fraction of the cost.

University of Newcastle Expanding with Honeysuckle Campus

The University of Newcastle has recently submitted a seven building masterplan to the NSW Government for their new education precinct for Honeysuckle in Newcastle.

Objection to Boutique Hotel in Redfern

Outlook Planning and Development were engaged by a group of concerned residents in regards to a nearby development that sought consent to demolish an existing (abandoned) service station to a boutique hotel with 58 guest rooms, car lift and guest facilities.

Windale Rezoning – Planning Proposal

A change of land zoning proposed by Lake Macquarie council would open the door for medium-density housing in a large part of Windale.

What you need to know before building a granny flat!

Granny flats, or secondary dwellings as they are known as in the Planning world, can allow home owners to keep parents or adult children close by while giving them their own space. They can also be a great way to generate additional rental income.

Rethinking Sydney – Greater Newcastle and the development potential

Newcastle and the Hunter Valley has become a hot spot for developers as well as residents of Sydney looking for a tree change and a work life balance. There is so much development potential and lots of great properties within the area for a fraction of the price of Sydney.

Five things to consider before you buy a block of land

We look at the five things to consider before buying a block of land! Is it better to buy established or purchase a vacant lot and building?

Statement of environmental effects; the process and timing

We look at the processing time for statement of environmental effects and the process we take!

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Statement of Environmental Effects

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