Frequently Asked Questions
Universal Planning assists with planning permit applications, building permit coordination, subdivision permits, site potential appraisals, liquor licence planning requirements and VCAT representation.
Universal Planning provides town planning services across Melbourne and regional Victoria. Some past projects have also involved work in South East Queensland and overseas development markets.
The consultancy has obtained planning permits for residential, commercial and industrial developments and has also worked on subdivisions, school projects, automotive dealerships, religious properties and public infrastructure projects.
Yes. Universal Planning can prepare and manage planning permit applications while coordinating relevant professionals, including architects, surveyors, arborists, landscape designers and traffic engineers.
Yes. Universal Planning can coordinate structural and civil engineers, geotechnical and foundation consultants, home energy rating experts and architects to prepare working drawings. The practice also works with accredited Melbourne building surveyors.
Yes. Universal Planning provides planning assessments required for council approval, including Clause 56 and relevant local planning policy appraisals. Since its establishment, the consultancy has contributed more than 840 residential lots and 1,430 strata title lots to the Victorian property market.
A site potential appraisal involves researching and assessing a property before purchase to determine whether it may suit the buyer’s intended needs. The assessment can identify planning constraints, potential risks and possible value-adding opportunities.
Yes. Universal Planning represents councils, private clients and publicly listed organisations in VCAT appeals and mediations. Stephen O’Brien also appears as an expert witness before VCAT and Planning Panels Victoria.
Yes. Universal Planning can prepare planning documentation connected with liquor licence and BYO permit applications. This may include an assessment against Clause 52.27, a Site Analysis Plan, a Noise and Amenity Action Plan and a Cumulative Impact Assessment.
Universal Planning is led by founder and Director Stephen O’Brien, a qualified town planner with more than 39 years of experience in urban and regional planning and development advisory roles.
Stephen earned a Bachelor of Regional and Town Planning in 1986 and a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Queensland in 1995.
Universal Planning was established in July 2013. Since then, Stephen O’Brien has prepared more than 4,000 town planning reports covering residential and commercial developments, planning advice, subdivisions and planning scheme amendments.
Yes. Universal Planning holds professional indemnity insurance with Chubb with a $5 million indemnity limit and $20 million in public liability insurance with QBE Insurance Ltd.
Call Universal Planning on 044 814 7238 to discuss your town planning or development requirements.
Need Further Planning Assistance?
Speak directly with Universal Planning about your permit, development, appraisal or VCAT requirements.