PLANNING

Insightful Strategies. Evidence-Based Outcomes. Planning that Brings Visions to Life.

At DESIM, we plan with purpose. With over two decades of successful planning projects across NSW and ACT, our work spans local and state levels, covering everything from heritage conservation to regional urban strategies. Whether it’s a single lot or a city-wide vision, we provide tailored, expert-driven solutions grounded in deep legislative knowledge, design thinking, and an unwavering focus on sustainability.

  • Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE)

  • Environmental Impact Statements (EIS)

  • Heritage Impact Statements (HIS)

  • Objection Letters for Proposed Developments

  • Rezoning Applications

  • Peer Review of Development Applications

Development Applications

Architectural planning and design workspace with miniature house model, printed blueprints, a tablet with a colorful neighborhood map, a pair of glasses, a coffee cup, and sketches on a wooden desk.

  • Regional & District Plans

  • Local Strategic Planning Statements (LSPS)

  • Precinct Planning & Masterplans

  • Peer Review of Strategic Planning Studies

  • Policy Research & Development

Strategic Planning

Two-page report cover images. The left page features a mountain with text about the Greater Sydney Regional Local Strategic Planning Statement, including a subtitle "REVIEWS AND ASSURANCE". The right page has a blue background with colorful circles, titled "The Pulse of Greater Sydney 2020", with text about a report produced in 2019 for the 2020 plan.

  • SEPPs, LEPs, DCPs: Preparation & Amendments

  • Interpretation of Planning Controls & VPAs

  • Statutory Advice & Legislative Review

  • Development of Planning Instruments

  • Site Due Diligence & Legal Framework Advice

  • Planning Proposal Preparation

Statutory Planning & Advice

Architectural models, blueprints, and a topographical map on a wooden table, indicating a design or planning session.

Urban Design & Master Planning

  • Master planning & Urban Design for subdivisions

  • Master planning & Urban Design for urban precincts

  • Incorporation of Circular Economy principles in Precinct Planning

  • Place based Design, Planning & Development

Aerial view of modern residential buildings along a river with a city skyline in the background during sunset.
Small model house on architectural plans with sketches, glasses, pen, laptops displaying maps, rolled blueprints, a mug, and a tablet on a wooden desk in a dimly lit room.

  • Participatory Planning

  • Facilitating collaboration with Industry & Research

  • Advising to community groups

  • Advocating for community causes

  • Education, Tutoring, Mentoring

Community Engagement

Planning in Action

Aerial view of Sydney Harbour with the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge in Australia

Pulse of Greater Sydney 2020

A detailed three-dimensional map of a city divided into color-coded sections on a desk, with architectural tools and documents nearby.

Our team supported GSC in measuring the implementation of the Metropolis of Three Cities plan. The Pulse tracks progress on connectivity, productivity, and liveability goals.

Greater Sydney Commission LSPS Assurance

DESIM played a key advisory role in the 2019–20 review of Local Strategic Planning Statements (LSPS) for the Greater Sydney Commission. LSPSs outline the 20-year vision for local government areas and guide LEP updates.

A house with multiple architectural styles is overlaid with a detailed hand-drawn architectural sketch and measurements. The house is made of red brick with stone accents, featuring arched windows and a decorative entryway.

Heritage & Peer Reviews

DESIM regularly provides expert peer reviews for planning proposals and advises on conservation strategies for heritage-listed properties.

Back to the Future ~

Reviving a Century Old Vision

DESIM has been deeply involved in the North Arm Cove Initiative; a bold proposal to honour and revive Walter Burley Griffin’s lost city vision. Architect Tatjana Djuric-Simovic described it as “a subdivision that is not a grid, that follows the topography, but there are no houses. It looks like a lost Mayan city.”

The initiative received international recognition at a UK conference for its innovative approach. Our ongoing work focuses on sustainable zoning strategies and community-led living lab research.

Aerial view of a city or town with a grid layout, roads, and circular features near a body of water, all rendered in a sepia tone.

We prioritise affordability and community benefit in every stage of the planning process. Our network of specialists works collaboratively to ensure satisfaction with every outcome, no matter the complexity or scale.

“Tell us what your problem is, and we can advise on tailor-made solutions.”

Let’s Build the Future Together

From policy research to development applications, from one lot to a new district-DESIM delivers clarity and excellence in planning. Reach out to our team for a personalised consultation.