Business Details
22 Years
experience
Expert Town Planning Services in Victoria
Clause 1 is a specialised town planning consultancy dedicated to assisting property developers, architects, building designers, business applicants, and other regular users navigate the increasing complexity of Victoria's State and Local Planning Controls. Our experienced team works across both metropolitan and regional Victoria, providing a comprehensive list of planning services tailored to the diverse needs of private and public sectors, architects, building designers, developers, builders, and business operators. Founded in 2004 by Ashley Thompson, our consultancy combines deep industry expertise with a commitment to delivering practical solutions for complex planning challenges. We offer end-to-end support, including planning advice and representation, preparation and management of planning permit applications, VCAT representation, panel submissions, planning scheme amendments, site selection audits, covenant removal, growth areas precinct structure planning, wildfire management plans, landscape plans, sustainable design assessments, and general consulting.Our team's extensive experience in statutory and strategic planning across Australia, New Zealand, and the UK ensures clients receive high-quality advice and service. We maintain active memberships in industry-leading associations such as the Victorian Planning & Environmental Law Association, Urban Design Institute of Australia, and Building Designers Association of Victoria, reinforcing our commitment to professional excellence and industry leadership.
Services
Planning Permit Applications
VCAT Representation
Planning Scheme Amendments
Site Selection Audits
Wildfire Management Plans
Landscape Plans
Sustainable Design Assessments
Covenant Removal
Growth Areas Planning
Panel Submissions
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer over 20 years of combined experience in Victorian town planning.
- Our team provides tailored advice for complex planning scheme amendments.
- We deliver efficient planning permit application management and VCAT representation.
- Our strategic approach optimises development outcomes across metropolitan and regional Victoria.
- We maintain active memberships in leading planning and environmental law associations.
Services
Planning Permit Applications
We prepare and manage planning permit applications across Victoria, ensuring compliance with state and local regulations. Our team streamlines the process through pre-application consultations, detailed documentation, and stakeholder coordination. Clients benefit from faster approvals and reduced delays through our integrated approach.
VCAT Representation
Our experts provide strategic representation for VCAT hearings, focusing on permit conditions, appeals, and dispute resolution. We leverage deep knowledge of planning laws to advocate for favourable outcomes. Clients receive tailored strategies to address complex tribunal challenges effectively.
Planning Scheme Amendments
We assist with planning scheme amendments, including growth zone implementations and new zoning provisions. Our team navigates regulatory changes to align projects with evolving frameworks. Clients gain clarity on compliance and opportunities for development optimisation.
Wildfire Management Plans
We develop comprehensive wildfire management plans for residential and commercial developments in high-risk areas. Our solutions integrate risk assessments and mitigation measures to meet regulatory standards. Clients achieve safer, compliant projects through our proactive planning.
Sustainable Design Assessments
Our sustainable design assessments evaluate environmental impacts and promote eco-friendly development practices. We incorporate energy efficiency, water management, and material sustainability into planning strategies. Clients benefit from projects that meet regulatory requirements while minimising ecological footprints.
People
Ashley Thompson
Director
Founder of Clause 1 in 2004, Ashley specialises in planning scheme amendments, panel hearings, and VCAT representation. He contributes to industry publications and serves on the Building Designers Association of Victoria's Planning Advisory Committee.
David Bayley
Senior Planner
With 12+ years in statutory and strategic planning across Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, David provides expert advice on planning permits, VCAT services, and major projects. His diligence ensures high-quality outcomes for complex developments.
Fleur Clausen
Office Manager
Fleur manages administrative operations and client liaison, drawing on prior experience in Victorian Government roles. She ensures efficient information management and supports planners in delivering timely client services.
Questions
What areas do your planning services cover?
We operate across metropolitan and regional Victoria, assisting with projects in urban, rural, and growth areas.
Can you help with VCAT appeals?
Yes, we provide strategic representation for VCAT hearings, including permit condition disputes and third-party appeal exemptions.
Do you handle planning scheme amendments?
Yes, we specialise in navigating planning scheme changes, including growth zone implementations and new zoning provisions.
What types of clients do you work with?
We serve property developers, architects, building designers, councils, and businesses requiring expert planning advice.
How do you streamline planning permit applications?
We conduct pre-application consultations, prepare detailed documentation, and coordinate with stakeholders to expedite approvals.
