Strategic Planning
Our strategic planning experience provides a strong appreciation for translating visions into tangible, robust planning frameworks and an awareness that each project requires a unique and distinctive approach.
Great places are created through thoughtful planning, collaboration and a clear understanding of how communities, infrastructure, the environment and future growth work together.
At DFP Planning, we partner with councils, government agencies, developers and private landowners to deliver strategic planning solutions that are practical, evidence-based and tailored to the unique needs of every project.
From early visioning through to statutory planning, we help guide informed decision-making that balances opportunity with long-term community outcomes.
We understand that strategic planning is an iterative process. It evolves through research, technical analysis, stakeholder engagement and community input. Every project benefits from bringing together diverse perspectives to influence the making of place, ensuring future development is both achievable and sustainable.
Whether preparing planning proposals, updating planning controls or facilitating community consultation, our experienced team provides strategic advice that supports positive planning outcomes across metropolitan, regional and rural communities.
Planning Proposals
Unlocking future development opportunities.
Planning Proposals are a critical pathway for amending planning controls to enable new development opportunities, land use changes or increased development capacity. Preparing a successful proposal requires a thorough understanding of planning legislation, strategic policy and the aspirations of both councils and the wider community.
DFP Planning prepares comprehensive Planning Proposals that clearly demonstrate strategic merit, site suitability and consistency with state, regional and local planning objectives. We coordinate technical investigations, manage stakeholder engagement and work collaboratively with consent authorities throughout the assessment process to progress projects efficiently.
Whether the proposal involves rezoning land, increasing building heights, changing floor space ratios or introducing new land uses, we help navigate the complexities of the NSW planning framework from inception through to finalisation.
Development Contributions Plans
Planning infrastructure for growing communities.
As communities grow, the delivery of supporting infrastructure becomes increasingly important. Development Contributions Plans establish fair and transparent mechanisms for funding essential community infrastructure such as roads, drainage, open space, community facilities and public amenities.
DFP Planning assists councils and government agencies with the preparation, review and amendment of Development Contributions Plans that are financially robust, strategically aligned and compliant with legislative requirements.
Our team works closely with infrastructure providers, economists, engineers and government stakeholders to ensure contributions accurately reflect future infrastructure needs while maintaining equitable outcomes for developers and the community.
Local Environmental Plans
Creating planning controls that guide future growth.
Local Environmental Plans provide the statutory framework that shapes how land can be used and developed within a local government area. They establish zoning, permissible land uses and key development standards that influence future investment and community outcomes.
DFP Planning has extensive experience preparing, reviewing and amending Local Environmental Plans to support changing community needs, strategic priorities and government policy.
Our team carefully considers environmental constraints, housing demand, employment opportunities, infrastructure capacity and long-term planning objectives to create planning controls that encourage sustainable and well-designed growth.
Development Control Plans
Providing practical guidance for quality development.
Development Control Plans translate strategic planning objectives into practical design guidance that helps achieve high-quality development outcomes.
We prepare clear, user-friendly Development Control Plans that support consistency, improve assessment efficiency and provide certainty for applicants, councils and the wider community.
Whether developing new controls or reviewing existing provisions, DFP Planning considers urban design, environmental performance, public domain outcomes, accessibility, sustainability and local character to ensure development guidance remains contemporary, practical and easy to implement.
Local Strategic Plans
Building a vision for future communities.
Local Strategic Plans provide the long-term vision that guides how communities will grow, evolve and prosper over the coming decades.
DFP Planning works collaboratively with councils and stakeholders to prepare strategic plans that respond to local opportunities while aligning with regional and state planning priorities.
Our approach combines detailed research, demographic analysis, infrastructure planning, environmental considerations and community aspirations to establish achievable planning directions that support resilient, liveable and economically vibrant communities.
Community Consultation
Meaningful engagement that informs better decisions.
Successful planning outcomes rely on genuine engagement with the people who live, work and invest in a place.
DFP Planning designs and facilitates community consultation programs that encourage participation, build trust and capture valuable local knowledge throughout the planning process.
Our consultation strategies are tailored to suit each project and may include workshops, public exhibitions, stakeholder meetings, online engagement, surveys and community information sessions.
By creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue, we help decision-makers understand community priorities while ensuring consultation meets legislative requirements and contributes positively to planning outcomes.
Featured Projects
FAQ
What is strategic planning?
Strategic planning is the process of establishing long-term planning directions that guide how land is used, developed and managed. It considers population growth, housing, employment, infrastructure, environmental values and community aspirations to create sustainable places.
What is a Planning Proposal?
A Planning Proposal is a formal request to amend a Local Environmental Plan (LEP). It may involve rezoning land, changing development standards or introducing new planning controls to enable different development outcomes.
When is a Local Environmental Plan updated?
LEPs are reviewed and amended as community needs, government policies and strategic priorities change. Amendments often occur through Planning Proposals initiated by councils, government agencies or private landowners.
What is the difference between an LEP and a DCP?
An LEP establishes statutory planning controls such as zoning and development standards, while a Development Control Plan provides more detailed design guidance to help achieve quality development outcomes.
Why are Development Contributions Plans important?
Development Contributions Plans ensure new development contributes fairly towards the infrastructure needed to support growing communities, including roads, parks, drainage, community facilities and public spaces.
How does community consultation influence planning decisions?
Who can prepare strategic planning documents?
Can DFP Planning manage the entire strategic planning process?
Yes. DFP Planning provides end-to-end strategic planning services, including project management, technical coordination, stakeholder engagement, community consultation, planning documentation and liaison with councils and government agencies from project inception through to completion.