Business Details
27 Years
experience
Your Trusted Town Planning Partner in Melbourne
Established in 1999, St-wise has delivered expert town planning services across Melbourne for over two decades. Our team combines deep industry knowledge with a commitment to achieving positive client outcomes through strategic advocacy and meticulous preparation. We specialise in navigating complex planning regulations while maintaining transparent communication throughout every project phase. With extensive experience in residential, commercial, and industrial developments, we've cultivated strong relationships with local councils and industry professionals to streamline approval processes.Our approach prioritises early risk identification and tailored solutions that align with both client objectives and regulatory requirements. Through consistent service excellence, we've built a reputation for transforming challenging planning matters into successful outcomes.
Services
Residential Planning
Commercial Planning
Industrial Planning
Pre-planning Advice
VCAT Representation
Land Rezoning
Planning Objections
Advocacy Services
Expert Witness
Heritage Consultation
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer 22 years of dedicated town planning expertise across Melbourne
- Our proven track record includes over 600 successful VCAT appearances
- We maintain direct council relationships to expedite development approvals
- Our fixed fee structure ensures transparent project cost management
- We provide tailored planning strategies for residential, commercial and industrial projects
What people say
Excellent outcome achieved
Highly recommend services
Professional and responsive
Thorough research and submissions
Successful VCAT representation
Services
Residential Planning
Specialised planning services for residential developments including subdivisions, heritage properties, and small lot developments. We identify potential council objections early and prepare comprehensive permit applications. Our expertise ensures compliance with local regulations while maximising development potential.
VCAT Representation
Professional advocacy at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for planning disputes. With over 600 appearances, we prepare detailed submissions and present compelling cases to overturn unfavourable council decisions. Our director Mark Waldon regularly acts as expert witness.
Commercial Planning
End-to-end planning solutions for commercial developments including shopping centres and corporate buildings. We manage council negotiations, prepare supporting documentation, and facilitate community consultations to streamline approval processes for complex commercial projects.
Land Rezoning
Expert assistance with planning scheme amendments to enable development on land with restrictive zoning. We coordinate council negotiations, prepare technical documentation, and represent clients at panel hearings to achieve successful rezoning outcomes.
Planning Objections
Professional support for lodging planning objections based on regulatory compliance. We assess application merits against planning schemes, prepare detailed objection submissions, and represent objectors at council meetings to protect property owners' interests.
People
Mark Waldon
Director
With over 600 VCAT appearances, Mark provides expert town planning services specialising in tribunal representation and complex development approvals across Melbourne's residential and commercial sectors.
Mandy Black
Business Manager
Mandy ensures operational excellence in all client engagements, managing project timelines and communications while providing specialist planning advice for industrial and heritage development projects.
Questions
What areas do St-wise service for town planning matters?
We operate across Melbourne metropolitan area including Bayside, Glen Eira, Stonnington, and all surrounding municipalities.
How does St-wise handle VCAT planning appeals?
We prepare comprehensive submissions, coordinate expert witnesses, and present cases at tribunal hearings with a proven track record of successful outcomes.
Do you offer fixed fee planning services?
Yes, we provide transparent fixed fee structures for most services with no hidden costs or unexpected charges.
Can St-wise assist with heritage property planning?
We specialise in heritage planning matters, helping clients navigate strict regulations while achieving development approvals.
What's involved in the pre-planning assessment process?
We evaluate site potential against zoning regulations, identify approval risks, and provide strategic recommendations before formal applications.
Reviews (4)
Ken Gray
Dec 28, 2021
Report
Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Mark is quietly understated but got across the detail and picked the key issues to address in our planning application very quickly. He and Mandy managed the process with Council with care diligence and respect - an approach that paid off with unexpectedly great results in our case. Would definitely use them again
Mark is quietly understated but got across the detail and picked the key issues to address in our planning application very quickly. He and Mandy managed the process with Council with care diligence and respect - an approach that paid off with unexpectedly great results in our case. Would definitely use them again
Hung Ngo
Dec 18, 2021
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Mark got us an approval from VCAT for a subdivision application that was previously refused by the Council. His submission was outstanding, very detailed and convincing. He listened closely to what we tried to achieve and delivered meticulously. He was also happy to point us to the right resource for our research. We highly recommend St-wise's service.
Ken Gray
Dec 12, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Mark is quietly understated but got across the detail and picked the key issues to address in our planning application very quickly. He and Mandy managed the process with Council with care diligence and respect - an approach that paid off with unexpectedly great results in our case. Would definitely use them again
Mark is quietly understated but got across the detail and picked the key issues to address in our planning application very quickly. He and Mandy managed the process with Council with care diligence and respect - an approach that paid off with unexpectedly great results in our case. Would definitely use them again
Katie Wilson
Nov 24, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Mandy and Mark are very knowledgeable, kind and have made the process seamless. Thank you!
Mandy and Mark are very knowledgeable, kind and have made the process seamless. Thank you!
