Business Details
Emergency
services
Expert Town Planners in Newcastle
Perception Planning is a dedicated town planning and development consultancy based in Mayfield, Newcastle. With over 15 years of combined experience in both public and private sectors, our team specialises in navigating complex planning systems to deliver practical, client-focused solutions. We offer end-to-end services including development applications, rezoning, project management, and environmental assessments, tailored to meet the unique needs of government, developers, and private clients.Our approach prioritises transparency, cost-effectiveness, and collaboration, ensuring clients receive clear guidance and timely responses. Backed by tertiary qualifications and membership in the Planning Institute of Australia, we uphold the highest professional standards while maintaining a commitment to community and environmental responsibility.
Services
Development Applications
Rezoning Applications
Project Management
Environmental Assessments
Pre-Purchase Advice
Planning Proposals
Building Surveying
Negotiation & Mediation
Training Services
Plan Drafting
Highlights and features
- We have over 15 years of experience in town planning across public and private sectors.
- Our team provides upfront clarity on project challenges and success probabilities.
- We operate with low overheads, passing cost savings directly to clients.
- Every project is tailored to individual client needs, with no mass production.
- We offer 24/7 availability and guaranteed responses within one business day.
Associations and certifications
- Planning Institute of Australia (PIA)
- Registered Planners
What people say
Highly recommend
Saved us thousands
Excellent service
Quick responses
Expert knowledge
Services
Development Applications
We prepare and manage development applications from concept to approval, ensuring compliance with local regulations. Our expertise covers residential, commercial, and industrial projects, including subdivisions and building alterations. Clients benefit from streamlined processes and a high success rate through our council relationships.
Rezoning Applications
Our team specialises in rezoning properties to align with client goals while addressing council requirements. We handle negotiations, documentation, and advocacy to secure favourable outcomes. Past successes include large-scale residential and commercial rezonings across the Hunter region.
Project Management
We provide end-to-end project management, coordinating approvals, timelines, and stakeholder communication. Our methodology minimises delays and budget overruns, with a focus on risk mitigation. Clients receive regular updates and transparent progress tracking for complex developments.
Environmental Assessments
We conduct comprehensive environmental assessments, including bushfire, heritage, and sustainability evaluations. Our reports meet legislative standards while addressing site-specific challenges. This ensures developments comply with regulations and community expectations for sensitive areas.
Pre-Purchase Advice
We offer rapid, affordable pre-purchase assessments to determine a propertys development potential. Clients receive detailed reports within 2-3 days, outlining zoning restrictions, approval pathways, and cost estimates. This service reduces investment risks and informs confident decision-making.
People
Matthew Brown
Director
Matthew Brown is the Director of Perception Planning, with tertiary qualifications in town planning, business administration, and environmental management. He brings over 15 years of experience in public and private sector planning, focusing on client advocacy and council collaboration. His approach combines technical expertise with a commitment to community and environmental outcomes.
Megan
Senior Town Planner
Megan is a Senior Town Planner at Perception Planning, contributing expertise in development applications and project coordination. Since joining the team, she has quickly become integral to delivering complex projects across the Hunter region. Her focus is on client communication and regulatory compliance.
Questions
What areas do Perception Planning services cover?
We operate across the Hunter region, including Newcastle, Maitland, Port Stephens, Dungog, Cessnock, Singleton, and Lake Macquarie.
Can I get urgent planning advice?
Yes, text 0437 195 264 with your property address and request for same-day advice on development options.
How experienced is the Perception Planning team?
Our team has over 15 years of combined experience in town planning, with expertise in both council and private sector projects.
What types of projects do you handle?
We manage residential, commercial, industrial, and rural developments, including subdivisions, rezoning, and environmental assessments.
Do you offer fixed-price services?
Pre-purchase advice is offered at a low flat fee, while other services are priced based on project complexity.
Are you accredited planning professionals?
Yes, we are corporate members of the Planning Institute of Australia and registered planners with relevant qualifications.
Reviews (3)
Giles Butler
Oct 25, 2021
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Amazing service. Matt was incredibly helpful and worked with an urgent last minute request. He's really insightful, kind and genuine. I'll be back for future projects. Thanks again Matt!
Alicia Harris
Oct 04, 2018
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Outstanding service, highly recommended. Matt provided regular phone and e-mail updates on the progress of our application. If not for his wealth of knowledge, we would not have been successful in our request to vary the set-back of our home. Matt is clearly highly regarded within the community and well respected for his professionalism and efforts. Thank you Matt, you kept us sane!
Shannon Griffo Griffis
Aug 31, 2018
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I recommend Perception planning for the professionalism meeting time frame's and targets.Knowing the area and keen to grow the town.
