Hi Ivan,

Thanks.

I had a chat with the council town planner today. I wasn’t told upfront that my block is not suitable for a subdivision, so that is good. Whether the application will be successful or not will of course depend on how well the proposed development complies with the planning scheme.

I’ve decided that before I start spending money on town planners etc. I better talk first to a good tax accountant to advise me on the tax implications of that project and the most optimal (from tax POV) way to approach it, whether it would be beneficial to get an ABN and register for GST, probably other approaches that I am not even aware of at this moment.

I guess this gives me a bit more time to shop for a good town planner.

Cheers,

Mac

Hi Wilko1 and APerry,

Thanks for your replies.

I am completely green which is why I was hoping to go with a company that provides full service rather than sourcing town planner, surveyor, architects and what not individually and along the way possibly making some costly mistakes.

A bit surprised to learn that architects charge per hour – I thought they usually charge percentage of a project’s value. But then as I said I am completely green so…

I want to subdivide a corner block, subdivision will be Torrens title (no shared driveway or anything). I’ve been researching recent subdivisions in my neighbourhood and it’s a bit of mixed story… For example a block away from my place someone managed to put a 3 bedroom, 2 baths, 1 carport double storey townhouse on a subdivision that is less than 160 sqm. That is not the only tiny subdivision around, but then a block away in the other direction a corner subdivision got recently rejected over concerns about amount of outdoor private space and perhaps closeness to an easement.

Given that, I would need someone who is good and experienced in Whitehorse and would be able to spot or anticipate possible problems with my block/subdivision and either work around these problems or tell me straight away that the application is most likely to be rejected. Also, I am mentally prepared that the neighbours will object (loss of sunlight, privacy etc.) ans would like my application to preempt such concerns.

Wilko1 – asking the different services how much they charge would establish just that – how costly they are. What I am after is what questions to ask when shopping either sole practictioners or 1 stop consultancy to find out how good or experienced they are to minimize the risk of failure.

APerry – thanks for your recommendation. I have checked the website and I am now confident I will need a town planner. In any case before I engage anyone I would like to shop around a bit. Also preference would be to get someone very experienced and with track record of success with Whitehorse council. What are your thoughts on using the same town planner that usually represents the council during appeals at VCAT?

Again thanks for your advice.

Mac