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Town Planning & Preliminary Planning Checks

Gold Coast Headquarters | Servicing Australia

Understanding planning requirements before starting a building project can help identify potential issues early. GMA Certification Group provides town planning and preliminary planning check services to help property owners, builders, developers, and other professionals understand planning considerations before progressing with a project.


Our team can review the proposed development, identify potential planning considerations, and help you understand whether additional council approvals, planning assessments, or other requirements may apply. Call 1300 851 852 to discuss your planning requirements.

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Professional Town Planning Support

Building projects can be affected by local planning schemes, zoning requirements, overlays, site constraints, and other planning considerations.


A preliminary planning check can help identify potential issues before significant time and money is invested in detailed design or construction.


GMA Certification Group can provide guidance on planning considerations relevant to your proposed building project and help identify where further council or specialist planning advice may be required.

What Is a Preliminary Planning Check?

A preliminary planning check is an early review of a proposed development to identify potential planning considerations that may affect the project.


Depending on the property and proposed development, a preliminary check may consider the following:


  • Property zoning
  • Local planning requirements
  • Site constraints
  • Relevant planning overlays
  • Setbacks
  • Building height
  • Site coverage
  • Access
  • Parking considerations
  • Proposed use
  • Planning approvals
  • Potential Council requirements



The exact scope of a preliminary planning check will depend on the property, proposed development, and applicable local planning requirements.

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Why Complete a Planning Check Before Building?

Identifying planning considerations early can help you make informed decisions about your project.


A preliminary planning check may help you:



  • Understand potential planning restrictions
  • Identify possible approval requirements
  • Assess whether your proposed development is suitable for the site.
  • Identify potential planning issues
  • Understand whether further Council approval may be required
  • Plan your project more effectively
  • Reduce the risk of unexpected planning issues


Planning requirements can vary significantly between properties, even within the same local area.

Town Planning and Building Certification

Planning approval and building approval are separate parts of the development process, although they can be closely connected.

A project may require planning approval before building approval can be issued. The requirements depend on the proposed development, property, and applicable planning scheme.


GMA Certification Group can help identify potential planning considerations and explain how they may relate to the building certification process.

Where specialist town planning advice or a formal planning application is required, additional planning professionals may need to be involved.

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Planning Checks for Property Owners

If you are considering purchasing a property or developing an existing site, understanding planning considerations before committing to a project can be valuable.



A preliminary planning check may help you understand whether your proposed use or development could be affected by planning controls.

This can be particularly useful when considering:


  • Property purchases
  • Extensions
  • New buildings
  • Development projects
  • Change of use
  • Commercial developments
  • Industrial developments
  • Residential developments
  • Property alterations
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Planning Checks for Builders and Developers

Builders and developers can benefit from early planning information when assessing the feasibility of a proposed project.



Understanding potential planning requirements can help inform design decisions and identify issues that may require further investigation before construction begins.


GMA Certification Group can work with developers, builders, architects, and building designers to identify planning considerations relevant to the proposed project.

Council Planning Requirements

Local councils administer planning schemes and may have specific requirements that apply to individual properties and developments.


Requirements can vary based on factors such as:


  • Property location
  • Zoning
  • Proposed use
  • Site characteristics
  • Development type
  • Planning overlays
  • Local planning controls



Our team can help identify potential council planning considerations and advise when additional information or specialist planning input may be required.

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Planning Considerations for Different Projects

Planning requirements can apply to a wide range of projects, including:



  • New residential buildings
  • House extensions
  • Commercial developments
  • Industrial developments
  • Renovations
  • Change-of-use projects
  • Mixed-use developments
  • New structures
  • Property improvements
  • Development proposals


Each property needs to be assessed based on its individual circumstances.

Town Planning & Preliminary Planning Checks FAQs

  • What is a preliminary planning check?

    A preliminary planning check is an initial review of a proposed development to identify key planning considerations, requirements, and potential constraints before proceeding further with the project.

  • Why is a preliminary planning check important?

    A preliminary check can help identify potential planning issues early, allowing you to better understand the requirements that may affect your proposed development before investing further in design and construction.

  • What does a preliminary planning check include?

    Depending on the project, a preliminary planning check may consider the proposed development, site characteristics, applicable planning controls, zoning, and other relevant requirements.

  • What is town planning?

    Town planning involves assessing and managing how land and development can be used within a particular area. Planning controls help guide development and ensure proposals are assessed against applicable local and state requirements.

  • Does my building project require planning approval?

    Planning requirements vary depending on the location, proposed use, type, and scale of development. A preliminary planning check can help identify whether planning approval or further assessment may be required.

  • What is the difference between planning approval and building approval?

    Planning approval generally relates to whether a proposed development is suitable under applicable planning controls, while building approval focuses on whether the building work complies with relevant building legislation, codes, and standards. Some projects may require both.

  • Can GMA help identify planning requirements before I start designing?

    A preliminary planning check can help identify important planning considerations early in the project. This can provide useful information for determining the appropriate next steps before detailed design or construction begins.

  • What information is needed for a preliminary planning check?

    Information may include the property address, proposed development, site plans, existing building information, and details about the intended use or scope of the project. The requirements will depend on the type of development.

  • Can preliminary planning checks be carried out for existing properties?

    Yes. A preliminary review can help identify planning considerations associated with an existing property and a proposed change of use, alteration, extension, or new development.

  • How long does a preliminary planning check take?

    The timeframe depends on the complexity of the proposal, the information available, and the planning considerations that need to be reviewed.

  • Can a preliminary planning check guarantee planning approval?

    No. A preliminary check is intended to identify potential planning considerations and requirements. It does not guarantee that a future planning application or development proposal will be approved.

  • Why should I complete planning checks early?

    Identifying planning requirements early can help you make informed decisions about the feasibility, design, and approval pathway for your project and potentially avoid unnecessary redesign or delays.

  • How do I arrange a preliminary planning check?

    Contact GMA Certification Group to discuss your proposed development and site. Our team can help you understand the preliminary planning considerations and determine the appropriate next steps.

Call 1300 851 852 to discuss your town planning and preliminary planning requirements.