Why StraightLine Town Planning Is Up to 80% Cheaper Than Other NSW Planning Companies
- Marisa Watterson
- Aug 13
- 2 min read
At StraightLine Town Planning we have proven that it is possible to deliver high quality planning and drafting services in NSW at a fraction of the cost charged by competitors, while still meeting all compliance requirements and providing strong service.
StraightLine Town Planning provides the same level of compliance knowledge, council expertise and drafting skill as larger firms while being up to 80% cheaper.
Here is how we do it.
1. Standardised Templates for Faster Turnaround
We have created best-practice templates for Statements of Environmental Effects, heritage reports, planning assessments and DA / CDC drawing sets.
By avoiding the need to start from scratch for every project we cut preparation time from hours to minutes while still tailoring each document to the individual site and proposal.
2. Clear Scope for Budget Packages
Our low cost basic service option covers only the essential deliverables councils require for approval. By limiting extras such as design iterations, lengthy meetings and post lodgement variations we keep costs low while still allowing clients to add optional services if needed.
We also provide free guidance for clients lodging their applications onto the NSW Planning Portal.
3. Reduced Overheads Through Remote Work
We operate without the expense of a full time physical office. Our planners, architects and drafters work from home and meeting spaces are booked only when required. This means huge savings on rent, utilities and office maintenance are passed on directly to clients.
4. Marketing Costs Slashed
Rival companies spend thousands of dollars every week on expensive marketing campaigns across Google Ads and social media, and often employ marketing strategists. We rely heavily on word of mouth from happy clients, as well as an easy to navigate website that clearly describes how we add value to all projects, commercial and residential.
5. Automation of Repetitive Tasks
We use specialist software to:
Pull planning controls from LEP or DCP documents
Generate specific checklists and cover sheets
Include compliance text into reports
This reduces time spent on each job and allows us to deliver high volume, low cost services.
6. Batch Processing for Similar Projects
When projects fall within the same council area or zoning we process them together. The same compliance research, templates and standard wording can be applied to multiple jobs which speeds up delivery and reduces fees.
7. Negotiated Supplier and Consultant Discounts
Our strong relationships with surveyors, engineers and certifiers allow us to secure discounted rates. We pass these savings directly to clients.
8. High Volume Over High Margins
Instead of focusing on a small number of high margin projects we complete a large number of smaller jobs. Examples include basic CDCs, minor DAs and change of use applications.
Our streamlined processes mean these are handled quickly and affordably.
StraightLine Town Planning provides the same level of compliance knowledge, council expertise and drafting skill as larger firms while being up to 80% cheaper.
We run lean, work efficiently and keep costs low so more people can achieve planning approval without overspending.
