Monday 2 June 2025

Planning to build or renovate? Before you jump into design or talk to Council, there’s one smart move that can save you a lot of time, money, and headaches, that is acquiring an Indicative Site Plan and/or Building Envelope Plan.

An Indicative Site Plan is a simple, early-stage 2D layout that shows how your future dwelling house, dual occupancy, multi-dwelling development or other envisioned project could be sited on your land. It outlines the possible position of the dwelling/s, driveway, outdoor areas, and access points, based on your site-specific planning controls. Whereas, a Building Envelope Plan is a 3D mass that shows the maximum development parameters. 

They are not a final blueprint but are a powerful tool to guide your next steps and take with you to your chosen Architect or Building Designer. It aids in minimising costly surprises like repeated Council Requests for Further Information after Development Application lodgement, by addressing relevant site constraints like setbacks, height restrictions, floor space ratios (if applicable), landscaping controls, building coverage and potential over shadowing that can affect your design and cost to build.

An indicative site plan shows you what’s possible upfront, it is more than saving on redesigns an avoiding the need for a Section 4.6 Request to Vary a Development Standard Report. Starting with the right layout means your Architect or Designer can create a compliant design the first time, with no need to backtrack later.

Whether you're a homeowner or a builder, this initial step can make your whole project smoother.

It’s quick, affordable, and gives you a realistic view of your site’s potential, before you invest in detailed plans or lodge a DA.

Let Parker Scanlon’s Town Planning Team aid the development process from the start, with an Indicative Site Plan and Building Envelope Plan.