Melbourne Planning Consultant with 30+ Years’ Experience
Peter English & Associates is an independent Melbourne planning consultancy providing advice on planning applications, town planning reports, objections and VCAT appeals across Melbourne and Victoria
Our Town Planning Services Across Melbourne & Victoria
Call on (03) 9486 3869 for no obligation enquiry
About Peter English & Associates
Peter English & Associates Pty Ltd is a professional town-planning consultancy providing accessible, high-quality advice to property owners, architects, developers, and local councils. The firm brings more than 30 years of experience in statutory planning across Melbourne and Victoria, and VCAT advocacy.
All aspects of the town planning process are professionally managed from concept to approval — from site feasibility to permit applications, objections, and representation at VCAT. Each site, design, and client objective is approached individually, ensuring the statutory process is navigated efficiently and transparently.
Town Planning Services Across Melbourne and Victoria
The company delivers a comprehensive range of town-planning services designed to simplify complex processes and achieve acceptable outcomes
Preparation, lodgement, and management of planning applications for residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use projects. Reports and supporting documentation are concise, policy-based, and tailored to each Council’s requirements.
Preparation of clear, well-referenced planning reports for residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use proposals that address relevant policies and decision guidelines, ensuring every submission is professionally presented.
Experienced advocacy at VCAT, including the preparation of statements of grounds, appeal lodgement and professional representation at mediations and hearings.
Assistance to community members and neighbours in preparing factual, policy-based objections focused on legitimate planning issues.
Management of permit conditions, amended plans, and compliance documentation to help projects progress smoothly from approval to construction.
Advice on rezonings, planning-scheme changes, and submissions to draft policy.
Recent Projects & Planning Outcomes
The portfolio of work spans a wide range of planning projects across Melbourne and Victoria, each demonstrating the ability to balance client need, design, policy, and practicality.
We have extensive experience in advising clients, managing planning applications, and securing approvals for medium-density residential projects throughout metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. Over many years, we have coordinated applications for a wide range of townhouse and apartment developments, providing detailed analysis, advice to clients, and effective engagement with Councils to achieve well-considered outcomes.
A mixed-use project comprising a 118-place childcare centre, café, and six townhouses was approved for East Brunswick. We provided pre-application advice, prepared the planning documentation, and managed the application through Council. Despite several objections, a planning permit was secured following design refinement and consultation, delivering a high-quality outcome consistent with the site’s strategic location within the Brunswick Major Activity Centre.
A planning permit was issued by Council for a new indoor badminton centre in Vermont. Following an appeal by objectors to VCAT, we represented the developer and successfully negotiated an outcome through mediation at VCAT. The resolution avoided the time, cost, and uncertainty of a full VCAT hearing, enabling the applicant to proceed without further delay.
A new purpose-built indoor rock-climbing and bouldering gym was approved by Council. We provided pre-application advice, prepared the planning submission, and managed the application process through Council to a successful outcome. The proposal involved the demolition of an outdated industrial building and its replacement with a contemporary facility incorporating climbing walls, training areas, an ancillary café and yoga spaces.
A mixed-use building incorporating an art gallery, café and residence was approved by Council. We provided pre-application advice, worked closely with the project architect to refine the built-form response, and managed the application through Council. Despite multiple objections, the proposal achieved a planning permit without the need for a VCAT hearing.
How We Work With Our Clients
We ensure the planning process remains transparent and predictable from start to finish.
Consultation
An initial consultation defines project objectives, potential risk, timelines, and key considerations.
Site Review
Zoning, overlays, and site-specific constraints are assessed to establish a clear planning pathway.
Submission
Concise, well-structured applications are prepared, directly addressing planning policy and anticipating likely issues.
Representation
Liaison with Council, referral authorities, and stakeholders is managed professionally throughout the process.
Outcome
The goal is always a timely and balanced decision, with continued support available post-decision to manage conditions or amendments if required.
Who We Help
Clients include developers seeking efficient approvals, councils requiring expert input, and residents wanting their concerns heard. Independence and credibility enable effective engagement with all parties, ensuring objectivity and transparency in every interaction.
Trusted Experience in Planning Appeals & VCAT Representation
Extensive experience presenting cases at VCAT has developed a strong understanding of planning policy and tribunal precedent. Previous experience spans planning applications, objections, and enforcement matters, always focused on achieving practical resolutions while maintaining professional integrity.
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Serving Metropolitan Melbourne & Greater Victoria
Based in Fairfield, Peter English & Associates services clients across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, regularly assisting projects in the inner north, metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.