Experienced Town Planning Experts
Universal Planning provides town planning experts in Melbourne. We support property owners, developers, investors, and government clients. Our consultancy has served Victoria since 2013.
We specialise in town planning services for the Victorian property industry. Our work is careful, strategic, and well documented. We pride ourselves on strong presentation and practical advice.
Stephen O’Brien leads the consultancy. He holds qualifications in town planning and economics. His background includes local government, private practice, and international development.
Read more about our services for planning support. Explore our team to learn about Stephen’s background.
Comprehensive Planning Approach
We take a forensic planning approach. We review relevant controls, policies, and evidence early. We then identify options for stronger outcomes.
Our clients include property owners, developers, investors, and government bodies. We help maximise development potential while respecting approval requirements. We also work closely with trusted consultants.
Our technical knowledge supports complex applications. Our negotiation skills help resolve planning concerns. Our communication keeps clients informed throughout the process.
Request clear advice before you proceed.
Fully Insured Consultancy
Universal Planning carries professional indemnity insurance with Chubb. The limit of indemnity is $5 million. We also hold $20 million public liability insurance with QBE Insurance Ltd.
Few independent planning firms hold such comprehensive insurance. This provides extra confidence for clients and project partners.
Stephen is a past member of the Planning Institute Australia. Members follow professional standards, codes, and by-laws. This supports ethical, reliable, and accountable service.
Speak with a trusted consultant today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning schemes regulate the use and development of land. One way they do this is by requiring that certain types of use or development can only be carried out if a planning permit is granted.
A planning permit is a legal document that allows a certain use or development to proceed on a specified parcel of land. The benefit of the permit generally attaches to the land for which it has been granted although a permit is sometimes made specific to a nominated owner or operator. A permit is always subject to a time limit and will expire under specified circumstances. The responsible authority will impose conditions when granting a permit and endorsed plans will also usually form part of the permit. The proposal must satisfy all of the conditions on a planning permit.
The planning permit is the preferred form of development approval in the Victorian planning system. Planning schemes allow a wide range of uses to be considered in each zone through the permit process.
A permit is not always required to use or develop land.
Planning permit timeframes vary based on the proposal, the planning controls and the assessment process.
Most planning permits take at least three months to be issued by a council. They commonly take four to six months. The average time it takes a council to make a decision is included in the Planning Permit Activity Reporting System (PPARS) by the State government.
In 2025, the average time to decision across all councils is approximately 155 calendar days for regular applications, and 29 days for a VicSmart planning application.
Planning permits can be tediously simple, or onerously detailed.
Some planning applications require a great deal of supporting information, others relatively little. Some planning applications require referrals to other government departments, some require advertising and some are eligible for fast-tracking via VicSmart or council specific pathways.
Absolutely. We appear at VCAT and Planning Panels Victoria representing private and public sector clients with insight, discipline, and assurance. With substantial appearances under our belt, we are acknowledged industry experts in advocacy matters.
Yes definitely. Assessing sites before purchase is a crucial part of the due diligence process for property, land, or business acquisitions. This process, often called a feasibility study, is essential to avoid purchasing a “lemon”—a site that cannot be developed as intended or that produces a financial loss.
What Clients Say
Clients often choose us for difficult planning matters. Many describe Stephen as honest, strategic, and highly prepared. Others value his proactive follow-up with councils.
Jason Taylor from Apollo Bay said Stephen helped achieve “the unachievable”. Vari Perez from MAP Building Consultant Services has referred VCAT matters since 2014. Wim van Zijl from WIM Architects praised Stephen’s proactive permit follow-up.
Auscare Retirement valued clear communication across state borders. Cosmos Property described Stephen as reliable, honest, thorough, and time efficient. Touch Projects has used Universal Planning across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Clients also highlight attention to detail, collaboration, and practical advice. These testimonials reflect our focus on clear outcomes. They also show our ability to handle complex planning matters.