Top-Rated Town Planners for Commercial Developments in Sydney: Why StraightLine Planning Leads the Field

If you’re planning to lodge a DA in NSW, choosing the right town planner in Sydney is critical to your success.

When developers search for the best planning consultants in NSW, our name consistently stands out: StraightLine Planning.

Backed by extensive experience, deep policy knowledge and an impressive approval record, the team meets and exceeds every benchmark for excellence in urban planning and environmental compliance.

Here’s why StraightLine Planning is considered Sydney’s top-rated town planning service for commercial developments.

Unmatched Experience in Sydney Urban Planning

StraightLine Planning has delivered hundreds of successful outcomes for commercial developments across Greater Sydney, including:

• Medical centres in Ku-ring-gai

• Gyms and fitness studios in Campbelltown and Newcastle

• Cafés, restaurants, and takeaway shops in Coogee, North Wollongong and Darlinghurst

• Massage studios and group homes in mixed-use and residential zones

• Transport depots and industrial warehousing in Liverpool and Penrith

Each project required a tailored Statement of Environmental Effects, often with additional planning impact assessments or Clause 4.6 variations.

StraightLine Planning’s team includes qualified town planners in NSW, with degrees in urban design and environmental planning, and membership in the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA), a mark of industry professionalism and continuing education.

“We don’t just submit applications. We solve problems, anticipate council objections, and position developments for long-term success.”— Richard Mead, StraightLine Planning

Complete Town Planning Services in NSW

StraightLine Planning offers an end-to-end service, making them the go-to development planner in NSW for commercial clients who want certainty, speed and transparency.

Their town planning services in Sydney include:

• Development application preparation and lodgement

• SEE document preparation and DA environmental statements

• Clause 4.6 variation submissions

• Planning portal NSW DA management

• BASIX Certificate preparation

• Coordination of specialist reports (acoustic, heritage, bushfire, traffic)

• Post-approval support (modifications, conditions, construction certificates)

If you need help with a planning approval document, DA requirements in NSW, or a development application statement tailored to commercial zoning, StraightLine has the proven systems and knowledge to deliver.

Clear Communication and Accessibility

Commercial developments require responsive, communicative consultants who can work closely with councils, architects, engineers and clients. StraightLine Planning prioritises:

• Regular project updates

• Fair pricing, lower than the majority of other firms

• Same-day response times to RFIs and council correspondence

• Easy-to-read planning impact statements and environmental compliance reports

• Collaborative communication with your broader project team

Their planners also understand the importance of local site visits, especially for projects involving heritage planning in Sydney, access design, or neighbour interface concerns.

“They didn’t just submit the DA—they explained every step and coordinated directly with our engineer and architect to make the process seamless.”— Vu, Leichhardt cafe renovation project

Transparent Pricing and Value for Money

While some consultants offer low fees and minimal service, StraightLine Planning is focused on value, not shortcuts.

Every quote includes:

• A full project brief

• Clear scope of works

• Transparent pricing for optional extras (e.g. Clause 4.6 submissions, traffic assessments)

• No hidden costs or delays due to missing documents

• Estimate costs for external consultants/reports

📍 Case Example: A massage studio in Harris Park faced potential rejection due to residential interface issues.

StraightLine included an acoustic report, a tailored SEE, and proactive consultation with neighbours. The DA was approved in under 30 days saving the client months of rent waiting for approval.

Experts in NSW Planning Portal DA Submissions

Navigating the online DA submission process in NSW can be confusing for first-time applicants. StraightLine Planning manages:

• File formatting (PDF/A, DWG, plan resolution, correct scales)

• Naming conventions and document grouping

• Uploads to the Planning Portal NSW DA system

• Liaison with council on acceptance, referrals and progress tracking

They’re experienced in lodging development applications across:

• Sydney Metro (City of Sydney, Inner West, Randwick, Parramatta)

• Western Sydney (Campbelltown, Penrith, Blacktown, Liverpool)

• Regional planning NSW councils (Tweed, Maitland, Shoalhaven)

Why StraightLine Planning Is Sydney’s Top Choice

Whether you're planning a mixed-use development in the Inner West, a warehouse expansion in Newcastle, or a retail conversion in a heritage area, StraightLine Planning delivers with experience, professionalism and planning outcomes.

They are more than just a town planning company in Sydney, they’re strategic problem-solvers, trusted advisors and efficient project partners.

That’s why they remain the first choice for commercial developers who want fast, informed and successful DA approval in NSW.