From concept to approval, with confidence.
A boutique town planning consultancy guiding homeowners, builders, designers and developers across NSW, from your first question through to your final approval.
Planning support at every stage
Whether you're testing an idea, lodging an application or building an ongoing partnership, we tailor our support to your project.
Development Applications
We guide you through every step of the DA process, from initial advice and preparation of planning reports to lodgement with Council. Our service ensures your application meets all relevant planning controls and is supported by clear, thorough documentation to help achieve timely approval.
Complying Development Certificates
We prepare your CDC application, accompanied by our CDC Planning Report to support lodgement with your certifier. Our report clearly outlines how the proposal complies with the relevant codes under the SEPP, helping to minimise requests for further information and speed up the approval process.
Approval Pathway Analysis
We undertake a detailed review of your concept plans against planning controls and legislation to determine the most appropriate approval pathway, being DA or CDC. Our advice outlines potential constraints, opportunities, and strategic considerations to help you proceed with confidence.
Feasibility Assessments
Our Feasibility Assessment provides analysis of key regulations impacting your proposed project, including zoning, environmental guidelines, and council controls. We'll identify constraints or opportunities and outline the next steps to obtain a DA.
Pre Purchase Due Diligence
Considering buying a property? With the market moving quickly and competition high, it's crucial to make an informed decision. Our report offers a thorough review of site constraints, restrictions and easements, helping you avoid costly surprises.
Town Planning Advice
For reliable planning guidance, Pac Planning offers expert advice on zoning, land use, and regulations to help you make informed decisions for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's completely normal to feel unsure. The rules are dense, and one wrong assumption can mean weeks of delay or a knock-back you didn't see coming. Handing it to someone who does this every day means you stop second-guessing yourself, your application goes in right the first time, and you can get on with the part you actually care about. Most people tell us the biggest relief is simply not having to work it all out on their own.
No one likes an open-ended bill, so we don't work that way. Every project is different, so once we understand yours we give you a clear, upfront quote with no surprises later. You'll know exactly what you're paying before you commit to anything, so you can go ahead with confidence instead of crossing your fingers.
When you're ready to go, the waiting is the worst part. We can usually start straight after our first chat, and we'll give you a realistic timeframe for your specific project up front, so no vague answers. Simpler approvals can move quickly, and even bigger applications feel far less stressful when someone is driving them forward and keeping you in the loop the whole way.
No, and please don't panic. A knock-back can feel final, but it rarely is. There's an important difference between an application being rejected early because something was missing, and being formally refused after a full assessment, and your options are different for each. We'll tell you honestly where you stand before you spend another dollar, so you can move forward with a clear head.
No pushy sales pitch, we promise. You'll hear back from us, usually within one business day, for a relaxed, no-obligation chat about what you're trying to do. We'll explain your options in plain English and give you a clear quote, and then it's entirely your call. Most people are surprised by how much clearer everything feels after just one conversation.
We're based in the Newcastle and Hunter region, and we help clients right across New South Wales, so wherever your property is, we've almost certainly got you covered. A lot of our work happens remotely, which means you get an experienced planner in your corner without being limited by where you happen to live.
What our clients say
"I was so stressed with council giving us the run around, and Paige took control of it all. She gave me peace of mind as her understanding in her field was invaluable."
"Paige was so helpful from start to finish, handling everything for our shed development application. The DA was approved in just 3 days with Council."
"I had no idea what I could or couldn't do with my site, but after talking to her, I felt way clearer on the whole thing. Definitely recommend."
"Paige is absolutely fantastic. She's incredibly organised and thorough. Her reports go into a great level of detail and give complete confidence."
"From the very beginning, Paige was the ultimate professional. Her knowledge, attention to detail and proactive communication gave us complete confidence every step of the way."
"Paige was so pleasant to work with. She made our whole process easy to understand, and took so much of our stress away."
"Her attention to detail, clear communication and expertise gave us complete confidence that our application was in good hands."
"Fantastic experience from start to finish. Friendly, professional, and the quality exceeded my expectations. Highly recommend to anyone!"
"Her knowledge of the local planning process is excellent, and just as importantly, she's reliable and communicates clearly with clients throughout."
"Paige has a wealth of knowledge and work ethic that she commits to her clients. Our communication was fantastic and our outcome was greater than expected."
"Paige was an absolute delight to work with throughout our renovation project. Her knowledge of the planning and development industry is exceptional."
"I would thoroughly recommend the helpful advice PAC Planning provided in investigating if my intended project was feasible. Paige is very knowledgeable."
"Paige and PAC Planning were an absolute dream to work with. Their professionalism, clear advice and supportive approach made the whole process smooth and stress-free."
"Paige and her team have been absolute legends when it comes to wrangling our submissions. Sharp, responsive, and genuinely easy to work with."
"We were blown away by the level of service we received. Paige is very professional and efficient as well as being incredibly helpful and friendly."
"Brilliant from start to finish. I could not fault Paige in any aspect of getting our DA collated and submitted through council."
"I was so stressed with council giving us the run around, and Paige took control of it all. She gave me peace of mind as her understanding in her field was invaluable."
"Paige was so helpful from start to finish, handling everything for our shed development application. The DA was approved in just 3 days with Council."
"I had no idea what I could or couldn't do with my site, but after talking to her, I felt way clearer on the whole thing. Definitely recommend."
"Paige is absolutely fantastic. She's incredibly organised and thorough. Her reports go into a great level of detail and give complete confidence."
"From the very beginning, Paige was the ultimate professional. Her knowledge, attention to detail and proactive communication gave us complete confidence every step of the way."
"Paige was so pleasant to work with. She made our whole process easy to understand, and took so much of our stress away."
"Her attention to detail, clear communication and expertise gave us complete confidence that our application was in good hands."
"Fantastic experience from start to finish. Friendly, professional, and the quality exceeded my expectations. Highly recommend to anyone!"
"Her knowledge of the local planning process is excellent, and just as importantly, she's reliable and communicates clearly with clients throughout."
"Paige has a wealth of knowledge and work ethic that she commits to her clients. Our communication was fantastic and our outcome was greater than expected."
"Paige was an absolute delight to work with throughout our renovation project. Her knowledge of the planning and development industry is exceptional."
"I would thoroughly recommend the helpful advice PAC Planning provided in investigating if my intended project was feasible. Paige is very knowledgeable."
"Paige and PAC Planning were an absolute dream to work with. Their professionalism, clear advice and supportive approach made the whole process smooth and stress-free."
"Paige and her team have been absolute legends when it comes to wrangling our submissions. Sharp, responsive, and genuinely easy to work with."
"We were blown away by the level of service we received. Paige is very professional and efficient as well as being incredibly helpful and friendly."
"Brilliant from start to finish. I could not fault Paige in any aspect of getting our DA collated and submitted through council."
About Pac Planning
We're a boutique town planning consultancy with a hands-on, personalised approach, guiding your project from concept to approval with confidence.
Whether you're a builder, designer or homeowner, our team makes the planning process straightforward and transparent. You'll work with senior planners who navigate complex controls, resolve site constraints and secure practical outcomes, with clear advice and consistent communication throughout.
We're not just consultants. We're planning partners.
Pac Planning is led by Director, Paige Carter, who brings over 13 years of experience across private consultancy, local government and state government. That breadth gives her a complete view of how planning decisions are made and what it takes to move an application through.
A Greater Newcastle and Hunter local, she has built her career in the region and knows the council requirements and site constraints that shape development here. She leads a team of experienced planners who share the same practical, solutions-driven approach, so every project has senior planning input behind it.
- ✓ 13+ years across private, local & state government planning
- ✓ Qualified Urban & Regional Planner, PIA member
- ✓ Co-Chair, PIA Women in Planning Network
- ✓ Greater Newcastle & Hunter local
Let's take the guesswork out of your next approval.
Answer two quick questions and we'll point you to the right next step. No cost, no obligation.
Request an obligation-free quote →