Stephen O’Brien at Universal Planning helped us to achieve the unachievable! He was honest right from the start that our planning application would be difficult and there was no guarantee we would get it. But thanks to his incredible knowledge and skills - we were successful. I honestly don't think anyone else would have been able to achieve what he did. I am so glad we chose to use Universal Planning and that Stephen took on our case. I highly recommend him to anyone who's planning application is out of the ordinary or is going to be tough. He is definitely the right man for the job!

Jason Taylor, Apollo Bay

Since 2014, I have referred those Clients of mine who require strong VCAT advocacy representation to Stephen O'Brien at Universal Planning. Some are very complex areas of Planning such as Tenement Controls and require an experienced voice, which I find in Stephen. I am pleased to say that in the 8 years I have referred clients to Stephen, he has NOT lost one single case. My clients, as do I, can not speak highly of Stephen when it comes to VCAT case work.

Vari Perez, MAP Building Consultant Services

Stephen from Universal Planning has been our town planner for our last 2 commercial projects in Victoria. Stephen prepared the town planning reports and submissions. One thing that stands out for me is the pro-active nature of his service. He will always follow up on approvals and timelines, ensuring there are no outstanding matters, while at the same time, reminding councils of their deadlines. As a result both projects had successful outcomes in the shortest timeframe. We would recommend Stephen in a heartbeat and look forward to the next project with Universal Planning.

Wim van Zijl, Director/Architect WIM Architects

Hi Steve,

Thank you so much for your assistance with our project. I would just like to say that on behalf of Auscare Retirement we have been thoroughly impressed with your planning services. I truly believe that if we had not used your services, we would have had a very difficult time getting the planning approval turned around. Given that we are based in Queensland, the dealings with your interstate office was very easy and your communication through the whole process was 5 star! 

We will definitely be using your services for any upcoming projects we have. 



Thanks again!

Jerome Heron, Development Manager, Auscare Retirement

As a property developer who has worked with numerous town planners over the years. I have been using Universal Planning - Steve O'Brien since 2016; he is a reliable, honest and genuine person, very thorough with his work and time efficient. His experience in town planning is shown in the quality of his work, very knowledgeable and provides his expertise that is worth every moment spent.

Cosmos Property (Vic) Pty Ltd

 Working with Steve was like working with my twin. He knew exactly what I wanted and how to achieve my vision.

Pete Langford, Lilydale

We have first engaged Universal Planning 6 or so years ago, initially for a residential project in inner Melbourne. We loved the way Stephen and his team go about doing their work, and have since used Universal Planning on a host of other projects, including in regional Victoria. The current project they are managing on our behalf is a private school community project in North Melbourne.
Great work, Stephen and UP team.

Nick Savvas, CEO, Touch Projects

Strong leadership and a laser like focus is how best to describe Stephen O'Brien from Universal Planning. Thank you forgetting my building extension in a heritage overlay approved and for your good hard work. You exceed my expectations.

Sergio M (Ballarat)

Steve achieved what others claimed to be impossible. I cannot recommend him highly enough, he was honest in his expectations and delivered exactly what he said he would.

Simona, Fairfield, Melbourne

What can I say about Stephen at Universal Planning... wonderful attention to detail and to client's vision. Great at collaborating and sharing ideas. Extremely professional, knowledgeable, and personable/friendly at the same time. High quality service! Definitely a five star recommendation; we would use Stephen again in a heartbeat!

Natalie and Phillip Anderson, Beaumaris

My wife and I own a property in Cape Sound and we were recommended to talk to Universal Planning regarding a development we had in mind. It became apparent that Stephen knew immediately what we wanted, how we wanted and assembled the right team to take the application forward. He was easy to deal with, well organised and in the end we got our permit. Highly advisable to speak to Stephen first.

John Christou, Capel Sound

I have known Stephen O'Brien from Universal Planning since the inception of his company in mid 2013. Steve refers clients to us who are seeking a landscape plan for either a permit application or VCAT hearings. His dealings with me has at all times been professional and respectful. Steve is able to understand the contextual setting of a place and how the neighbourhood character, through landscaping, plays a critical role. He is able to articulate the brief to me resulting in a landscape plan which his clients embrace.

Steve is a respectful and decent person and, judging by the feedback that I receive from draftspeople, architects and clients, very well regarded in the development industry.

Trevor Owen-Director
Monarch Garden Design

On behalf of my wife and myself, I would like to take the opportunity to thank Stephen from Universal Planning for undertaking such a terrific job in obtaining our planning permission on what has been an incredibly complex and sensitive project. We would have absolutely no hesitation in returning to Universal Planning for future planning support and I would equally have no hesitation in recommending their service to others.

Matthew, Frankston, Victoria