When it comes to lodging a development application, one decision can have a major impact on how smoothly your project moves forward: choosing the right town planner.
A good planner can help you anticipate Council expectations, avoid unnecessary delays, and guide your project through the process efficiently. But a poor match? That could lead to stalled approvals, unclear advice, or a series of costly revisions.
So how do you choose the right one? While reputation and referrals still play a role, project data tells a much clearer story about what really matters.
DApro has analysed over 10,000 development applications across councils and project types. Here’s what the data says about what truly matters when selecting a town planner.
1. Relevant experience is more important than years in the industry
Not all experience translates equally. A planner who has spent a decade working on large-scale retail might not be the best fit for a medium-density residential project in a flood-affected zone.
Before choosing a planner, ask:
- Have they worked on similar development types?
- Do they understand how your local Council interprets policy?
- Can they navigate specific overlays or specific zoning constraints?
Experience only creates value when it’s relevant to the type of project and location you’re working with.
2. Track record gives you more insight than reputation
Referrals are helpful, but they often come from a narrow sample. One person’s positive experience may not reflect the overall performance.
What you really want to understand is:
- How long does this planner typically take to get an approval?
- What types of projects do they consistently handle well?
- Do they tend to succeed with a particular Council or team of consultants?
A reliable track record shows consistency. It means you can move forward with confidence, not guesswork.
3. Council familiarity can fast-track your approval
Every Council has its own quirks. Some interpret overlays differently. Others rely more on informal pre-lodgement advice or have a known preference for certain documentation styles.
Choosing a planner who knows how your Council works can make a real difference. It reduces the need for revisions, speeds up the decision-making process, and helps avoid misalignment from the start.
The more local insight your planner brings, the smoother the path tends to be.
4. Compatibility still matters
Technical skill is only one part of the equation. You also need a planner who communicates clearly, understands your goals, and fits within the larger team.
Things to look for:
- Do they understand the commercial side of your project?
- Can they lead timelines and keep consultants aligned?
- Are they responsive and transparent with updates?
You’re not just hiring a consultant. You’re choosing a key partner in how your development progresses.
Make your choice with confidence
Hiring a town planner isn’t just about ticking a box. It sets the tone for how your project will unfold. With the right partner, you reduce friction, gain clarity, and increase your chances of a smooth, timely approval.
If you want a clearer picture of a planner’s experience, performance, and local strengths, DApro helps by turning public DA data into useful insights. You can compare consultants based on real outcomes, not just word of mouth.
Because when planning is done right from the start, everything else runs faster.
Search smarter. Build faster. Start with DApro.
