Town Planning and Development Consultancy in Melbourne

Universal Planning was established in 2013 by Steve O’Brien, bringing more than 40 years of town planning experience to Melbourne’s property industry. But good planning is about more than navigating permits and council requirements. It’s about understanding what a property can achieve before you commit your time and money. Whether you’re considering a single dwelling, subdivision or major development, Steve provides direct, practical advice tailored to your plans. From the first conversation through to the final outcome, you deal with Steve personally, drawing on decades of experience to make better-informed property decisions.

Discuss Your Town Planning Requirements

Whether you are planning a residential, commercial or development project, Universal Planning provides practical town planning and development advice tailored to your requirements. We work with property owners, developers, investors and government organisations across Melbourne and Victoria, helping clients understand planning requirements and navigate the approval process with greater clarity.

From planning permits and subdivision applications to site potential appraisals, building permit coordination and VCAT representation, our experienced team can assist throughout the planning process. With extensive knowledge of the Victorian planning system and 40 years of professional town planning experience, Universal Planning takes a considered approach to each project, identifying planning requirements, potential constraints and practical pathways forward.

Get in touch with Universal Planning to discuss your project and explore the next steps.

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Who We Are

Our Services

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40 Years of Town Planning Experience

Established in Melbourne in July 2013, Universal Planning provides professional town planning and development consultancy services to the Victorian property industry and government sector.

Clients looking for an experienced town planner in Melbourne can expect clear, practical guidance from the first conversation through to approval.

Founder and Director Stephen O’Brien brings 40 years of experience in urban and regional town planning, development advisory and strategic planning. His professional experience spans Australia, the Middle East and Asia, supported by qualifications in Regional and Town Planning and Economics.

With experience across government, local government, private consultancy and major development environments, Universal Planning provides informed advice, strategic guidance and practical planning solutions for a wide range of projects.

40 Years of Experience

Extensive experience across urban, regional and development planning.

International Experience

Professional planning and development experience across Australia, the Middle East and Asia.

Government & Council Insight

Experience working with government and local government planning processes.

Strategic Planning Guidance

Practical advice to identify planning considerations and develop achievable pathways forward.

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.

Planning Permits

Complete applications and council submissions.

Subdivision Permits

Support for complex titling developments.

Site Appraisals

Risk reviews before property purchase.

VCAT Representation

Prepared advocacy for hearings and mediations.

Explore our services to see our full capability. View our people to meet your planning lead.

International Development Knowledge

Stephen’s understanding of both urban planning and property economics led him to a senior strategic role within the development arm of the Dubai Government. In this position, he was responsible for expansion plans involving master-planned communities in Saudi Arabia and across Asia.

Why Clients Call Steve First

Before spending serious money on a property, most people want straight answers:

Stephen (Steve) O’Brien, Founder and Director of Universal Planning, brings 40 years of town-planning experience across local government, state government and private practice.

When you contact Universal Planning, you deal directly with Steve. He is personally involved from the first conversation, identifying risks early, giving practical advice and helping clients understand the real planning potential of their property.

Much of Universal Planning’s work comes from repeat clients and referrals. Clients value direct access to the person responsible for the advice, backed by extensive planning experience.

Expert VCAT Representation

Universal Planning is frequently appointed as a VCAT advocate for councils, private clients and publicly listed clients because of our planning expertise, negotiation skills and management capabilities. We have represented clients in VCAT appeals and mediations involving a diverse range of projects and regularly appear as expert witnesses before VCAT and Planning Panels Victoria.

Assistance With Planning Permit Applications

Discuss Your Planning Requirements

Contact Universal Planning to discuss your town planning or development requirements.

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