Independent Town Planning Services in Queensland
A&E Professional Solutions is an independent town planning consultancy based on the Sunshine Coast, helping property owners, builders, building certifiers, and developers across Queensland get their development projects through Council.
Independent means we work for you. Our only job is to give you expert planning advice and prepare an application that gives your project the best chance of success.
This page sets out the full range of town planning services for small-scale developments we provide. If you’re not sure which one fits your project, get in touch, and we’ll work it out together.
Why Independent Town Planners Matter
Town planning shapes how a project moves forward, from working out what approvals you need early on through to handling the assessment process with Council.
As independent town planners, we provide you with straightforward planning advice tailored to your specific project. That covers identifying the planning requirements that apply to your site, addressing any constraints, and helping you navigate the process without unnecessary delays.
For property owners, it means practical advice before you commit money to a project. For builders, building certifiers and other industry professionals, it means a planning partner who works alongside you to keep projects on track for your clients.
The Importance of Town Planning in Queensland
Queensland’s planning system is guided by State planning legislation and administered through local Council planning schemes, which set out the rules for how land can be used and developed in each area.
For residential projects, understanding the relevant planning requirements early on can save a significant amount of time, cost and frustration later on. Things like zoning, overlays, setbacks, site cover and approval pathways all influence what can be built, whether Council approval is required and the application requirements.
That’s where good town planning advice makes a difference. Our role is to work through these requirements, identify potential issues early and help to guide projects through the process as smoothly as possible.
Helping You Achieve Development Success with Confidence
Small-scale development projects including: Dwelling houses / Secondary dwellings (Granny Flat) / Dual Occupancy / Home-based business / Short-term Accommodation (Air B&B) / ROL for Boundary Adjustments / QDC Siting Applications / Exemption Certificates / Minor Change and Extension of Time Applications
Our Independent Town Planning Services
Planning Advice & Due Diligence
Sometimes you don’t need an application. You just need to know where you stand. We provide written and verbal planning advice for property owners considering a purchase, builders scoping a project, designers working through early design concepts, or developers running early-stage feasibility on land anywhere in Queensland. Knowing the planning constraints before you commit can save significant time and money.
General Town Planning Advice (free). A short, no-cost conversation to talk through your project at a high level. Good for property owners weighing up a purchase, builders scoping a job, or designers in the early concept stage who want a quick read on whether planning approval is likely to be involved and what the broad pathway looks like.
Preliminary Planning Advice (fee applies). A more detailed, written assessment of your site and proposal against the relevant planning scheme. We work through zoning, overlays, setbacks, site cover, approval triggers and any constraints we identify, then set out the likely application pathway and what’s involved. This is the right step before you commit to a design, lock in a contract, or settle on a block of land. Available for projects anywhere in Queensland.
Dwelling Houses, Dual Occupancy & Secondary Dwellings
Residential projects are our core focus. We prepare planning applications for new dwellings, secondary dwellings (otherwise known as granny flats), and dual occupancies.
We regularly work alongside property owners, builders, building certifiers, building designers and architects to support the planning side of residential projects. We aim to identify issues early and work collaboratively to achieve a practical outcome.
Sheds, Carports & Ancillary Structures
Not every shed or carport needs a development application, but plenty do, and the rules aren’t always obvious. We assess your proposed structure against the relevant planning scheme, tell you whether approval is required, and prepare the application if it is.
Short-Term Accommodation
Short-term accommodation (Airbnb, Stayz, holiday lets, hosted accommodation) is one of the more regulated land uses in Queensland right now. Each Council has its own approach, and the rules continue to shift. We provide planning advice for owners considering short-term letting and prepare applications where development approval is required for the use.
Boundary Adjustments & Reconfiguration of Lots
Reconfiguring a lot covers a range of things: subdividing a single lot into two or more, realigning boundaries between neighbouring lots, or amalgamating lots into one. We prepare reconfiguration applications and work alongside surveyors and other consultants to get the application across the line.
Change Applications
Plans change, and approved development applications can be amended. A change application allows you to make minor adjustments to an existing approval (a design tweak, a condition adjustment, an updated layout) without starting the application process from scratch. We will assess whether your proposed changes qualify as a minor change and handle the application from there.
Extension of Time Applications
Development approvals come with a currency period, the timeframe in which the development must substantially commence. If that period is running out and the project isn’t ready, an extension of time application keeps the approval alive. We handle these regularly and know how to make the case to Council.
Exemption Certificates
Some works that would normally need development approval can be assessed for an exemption certificate in certain circumstances, which confirms the development is exempt from a planning requirement. This is often a faster, cheaper path than a full DA when the circumstances fit. We assess whether your project is suitable and prepare the certificate application.
How We Work
Planning advice
Whether you’re exploring options for a new development or working through compliance questions, we give you clear, informed advice grounded in the relevant planning scheme and Queensland planning legislation.
Preparation and lodgement of applications
Development applications are time-consuming. We handle the preparation of application material, lodgement with the local Council, and tracking through to decision so you can stay focused on the build.
Minor change and extension of time applications
Projects shift as they progress. We manage the applications and Council liaison that keep your approval current as plans change, so the project keeps moving without losing ground.
Where We Work
We’re based on the Sunshine Coast and provide expert town planning services across Queensland, including the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Gympie, Moreton Bay, Brisbane and the broader SEQ region. We also take on projects further north along the Queensland coast, where the work suits our experience.
If you’re not sure whether your area falls within our service range, get in touch, and we’ll tell you straight.
Hear It From Our Happy Clients
Don’t just take our word for it – hear what our satisfied clients have to say!
Ready to Talk Through Your Project?
If you have a development project in mind or want to understand your planning options before you commit, contact A&E Professional Solutions today. We offer professional, approachable, independent town planning advice with a clear focus on getting outcomes for our clients.
