What is a Town Planner (Initial Assessment & Lodgement Preparation)?

A Town Planner is a qualified planning professional who reviews your proposed development, ensures it complies with local planning controls, and helps prepare a complete lodgement package for submission to council or a certifier. They guide your project through zoning, land use, and policy requirements to secure the necessary planning approvals.

What does a Town Planner do?

Your Town Planner will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.


Typically, they will:

  • Review your site, planning overlays, and development proposal
  • Prepare a written Initial Assessment identifying risks, opportunities, and applicable planning controls
  • Recommend any required reports (e.g. Arborist Report, Shadow Diagrams, Clause 4.6 Variations, etc.)
  • Coordinate supporting documents into a complete Lodgement Package
  • Assist with submission of your Development Application (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC) — either by lodging on your behalf or guiding you through the process


They help ensure your submission is comprehensive, policy-compliant, and less likely to be delayed by council Requests for Information (RFIs).

Barry's Toolbox

Town Planners don’t just submit paperwork — they strategically position your project to align with planning policies, which is crucial if your site has overlays, constraints, or heritage triggers.

What to look for in a Town Planner

When reviewing quotes, look for:

  • Accreditation: Look for certified members of the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) or AIP
  • Local experience: A planner familiar with your council area can navigate key policies and common objections
  • Clarity: Their Initial Assessment should translate complex planning codes into clear action items
  • Collaboration: Choose someone who can coordinate with your designer, surveyor, and other consultants
  • Support level: Confirm if they will also handle council communications and submissions on your behalf

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

To get quotes from Town Planners for Initial Assessment and Lodgement Preparation, you’ll need:

  • Site address and zoning certificate (Section 10.7)
  • Draft or final concept design (plans, elevations, site plan)
  • Any existing reports (survey, tree report, etc.)
  • Your target submission timeline (for DA or CDC)

Average Timeframe

For this task, Pros typically provide quotes within 3-5 business days.

When Can I Expect Quotes?

Timeframes often vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g. a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

 

Don't be alarmed if you don't receive quotes or communication from any Build Buddy Pros straight away. Some work is more complex and the Pro may need time to comprehend your documents or scope of work. Depending on the job, there may even be some work required by the Pro before they are able to quote (e.g. a site visit might be required).

 

If the average timeframe indicated here has passed, and you have not received any messages or quotes, please feel free to contact the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team for an update on quoting for this task.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What if council asks for changes after I submit?

    Your Town Planner can help respond to Requests for Information (RFIs), negotiate conditions, or coordinate revised plans and documents if needed.

How to Complete this Task?

STEP 1

Review and Adjust the Scope of Works

Timeframes may vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g., a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

STEP 2

Confirm Required Documents Are Uploaded

Check that the following required document(s) are uploaded for this task. These are essential to proceed:

STEP 3

Update the Quality Assurance Checklist

Go to the Quality Assurance tab in this task and review the checklist. Edit any details to suit your project requirements. Being clear and upfront helps set expectations with the Pro. Updating the checklist before requesting quotes ensures everyone is aligned.

STEP 4

Request Quotes

Click the orange ‘Request Quotes’ button to start the quoting process.

STEP 5

Review the Quotes

Once you receive quotes:

  • Review each one carefully, including the payment schedule and any special terms
  • Download attached quote documents for detailed review
  • Check each Pro’s profile and read past client reviews

STEP 6

Communicate with the Pro

If needed, message or call the Pro to clarify details or negotiate terms.

STEP 7

Accept a Quote

Choose the quote that best suits your needs. Once you accept a quote, any other pending quotes will be automatically declined. An agreement will automatically be generated.

STEP 8

Complete the Tasks In Your App

New tasks will appear to guide you through this job — follow each step carefully. Make sure to use the Quality Assurance Checklist, and refer to your contract and final Scope of Works whenever needed.

NEED HELP?

Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro

If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.


If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.