Business Details
26 Years
experience
Expert Town Planning & Land Surveying Services in Melbourne
Terrain Consulting Group is a leading town planning and land surveying consultancy with over 25 years of expertise in navigating Melbourne and Victorian council processes. Our team of certified planners and licensed surveyors specialises in fast-tracking development projects, from initial pre-purchase advice to final planning approvals. With a proven track record of securing permits within 6-9 months, we combine deep policy knowledge with strategic advocacy to maximise land potential.Our services are underpinned by weekly client updates, VCAT representation, and tailored land survey plans trusted by architects. As industry leaders, we maintain transparent communication and adhere to strict professional standards, ensuring clients receive actionable insights grounded in decades of hands-on experience across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
Services
Town Planning
Land Surveying
VCAT Representation
Subdivision Projects
Rezoning Applications
Urban Planning
Land Use Applications
Feature Surveys
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We have 25 years of experience in Melbourne council planning processes
- Our team secures planning permits within 6-9 months on average
- We provide weekly progress updates for all planning applications
- Our VCAT representation includes 30+ years of tribunal experience
- We offer land survey plans recommended by leading architects
What people say
Professional conduct
Fast-track process
Expertise in councils
Timely success
Stress-free subdivisions
Services
Town Planning
Our town planning services specialise in securing planning permits for residential, commercial, and industrial developments. We provide pre-application advice, prepare detailed reports, and manage council negotiations to fast-track approvals. With expertise in Victorian planning schemes, we help clients achieve development outcomes within 6-9 months on average.
Land Surveying
We deliver precise land surveying for subdivisions, title re-establishment, and feature/level plans. Our licensed surveyors use advanced technology to produce council-compliant documentation, supporting architects and developers with accurate spatial data for successful project approvals.
VCAT Representation
Our VCAT representation includes preparing legal submissions, attending hearings, and negotiating outcomes for planning disputes. With decades of tribunal experience, we represent applicants, objectors, and local governments to achieve favourable decisions for complex development cases.
Subdivision Projects
We manage subdivision projects from initial feasibility assessments to final title registration. Our services include preparing plan documentation, coordinating council requirements, and resolving boundary disputes to maximise land value for residential and commercial developments.
Rezoning Applications
We specialise in rezoning applications to change property use classifications. Our planners prepare comprehensive reports demonstrating development viability, working with councils to secure approvals for residential, commercial, and industrial land use transitions.
People
Andrew Smith
Director Licensed Land Surveyor
With over 30 years in private practice, Andrew specialises in property title dealings and subdivisions. He ensures clear survey documentation while managing metropolitan Melbourne projects since 2004.
Lorenzo Rigoni
Director Planning Consultant
A certified practicing planner with 30+ years Victorian experience, Lorenzo leads town planning. He has extensive VCAT representation expertise and previously served as statutory planning coordinator for local councils.
Gabrielle Sesta
Major Projects Planner
Gabrielle brings 19 years local government experience to major project planning. She specialises in rezoning, panel hearings, and managing complex residential/commercial applications across urban and rural settings.
Kevin Azzopardi
Principal Planner
Kevin has 8+ years consultancy experience managing planning applications for mixed-use developments. He prepares delegate reports and represents clients at VCAT hearings for residential and commercial projects.
Helena Toscas
Senior Planning Consultant
Helena combines statutory planning experience with consultancy expertise. She manages subdivision proposals and prepares planning reports while leveraging council process knowledge gained during local government service.
Questions
How long does a planning permit last?
A planning permit generally lasts 2 years, though specific expiry dates are detailed in your permit documentation.
How long will a subdivision take?
Timelines vary by complexity - consult our Licensed Land Surveyors for specific subdivision requirements.
Which councils do you work with?
We operate across all Melbourne metropolitan and regional Victorian councils.
Do you have Licensed Land Surveyors?
Yes, we employ multiple Licensed Land Surveyors with extensive Victorian experience.
Do you provide VCAT advocacy services?
Yes, we offer full VCAT representation including hearings and written submissions.
Can you handle small projects?
We work on developments ranging from single extensions to high-rise buildings.
Reviews (4)
B. B.
Dec 21, 2021
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I rang to discuss engaging Terrain with some heritage advisory services in West Footscray. After I provided some background information on our situation, the Senior Planner, spent considerable (in-kind) time with me on the phone and provided additional information on our property, next steps and some tips on how to overcome and make positive our new investment. Very much appreciated HT! Great customer service and knowledgeable.
Mark Buttigieg
Oct 20, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality
Absolutely thrilled with the professional service and advocacy that led to a satisfactory VCAT result. Amazing work, would highly recommend.
Absolutely thrilled with the professional service and advocacy that led to a satisfactory VCAT result. Amazing work, would highly recommend.
Grace Lim
Jan 17, 2021
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Excellent professional service in helping us with an appeal on Monash council unreasonable ruling to minimise our building area. The team took time to understand the history of our dealings with the council, our unique circumstances and fully understand our request in this appeal. We are happy with the research work done and the written reasoning submitted to the board prior to the hearing. We are very happy with their service and professionalism! Highly recommend them to anyone in need.
Andy Johnston
Sep 06, 2020
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My company has produced a significant website video for Terrain Consulting Group and we were very pleased with the result! There wasn't much acting required on their behalf as they are genuinely great business operators. The growth and success of their company is due to a solid and strong leadership team, Lorenzo, Stephen and Andrew and we are pleased to have worked with them. Highly recommend this team! They are simply amazing!
