Universal Planning is a leading respected Melbourne based consultancy practice established in July 2013 that specialises in town planning, providing a comprehensive range of planning & development services to the Victorian property industry & Government. Stephen O'Brien, the founder and Director of Universal Planning has over 39 years background in Urban and Regional Town Planning and various development advisory roles across Australia, the Middle East and Asia. Stephen has a impeccable reputation with Local Government Planners and is known across Victoria for his professionalism and courtesy towards his fellow Town Planners.
Who We Are
We are experienced in navigating clients through the complexities of town planning and land use development controls.
eXPERT REPRESENTATION
Due to our expertise, negotiation and management skills, Universal Planning is frequently appointed as VCAT advocates for Council’s, private and public listed clients.
We have acted as representatives for diverse project types at VCAT appeals and mediations as well as regularly appearing as an expert witness at both VCAT and Planning Panels Victoria.
gRANTING LICENSE PERMITS
Under the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998, it is a condition of every licence and BYO permit (excluding pre-retail, limited and major event licences) that the use of the licensed premises does not contravene the planning scheme that applies to the premises under the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
For this reason, we are regularly appointed by applicants to provide a planning permit addressing the application against the relevant Council Planning Controls, such as a written assessment against Clause 52.27, preparing a Site Analysis Plan and completing a Noise and Amenity Action Plan. We are one of the very few companies in Victoria that have the expertise and experience in preparing a complex Cumulative Impact Assessment.
ASSISTING WITH PLANNING PERMITS APPLICATIONS
We have obtained planning permits for our clients on a variety of residential, commercial and industrial projects across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Our multidisciplinary team of award winning Architects, Surveyors, Arborists, Landscape Designers and Traffic Engineers allows us to identify and resolve potential issues swiftly thereby allowing us to create high-quality development and design solutions.
Our knowledge of planning, environmental legislation and Town Planning schemes means we can solve planning issues quickly, thus ensuring we can translate our clients’ visions into achievable outcomes.