Who we work with / Developers and project managers

Planning advice for developers and project managers — NSW

Planning risk is programme risk. Greiss Planning helps developers and project managers understand what a site can realistically deliver before capital is committed, then manages the approval pathway — applications, council requests, modifications and, where needed, rezoning or appeals — so planning does not become the critical path.

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Last updated: 13 October 2026 · Written by Dr George Greiss

Architectural drawings and a calculator, assessing a development site

Where we fit in your project

  1. Before you commit. Planning due diligence on a site before exchange — what the controls allow, the constraints that matter, the realistic approval pathway and the risks to yield and programme.
  2. Approval strategy. Choosing the right pathway — development application, complying development, a staged approach or a planning proposal — and setting a realistic timeframe.
  3. Application. Managing the development application: briefing consultants, preparing the Statement of Environmental Effects and any Clause 4.6 requests, and lodging on the NSW Planning Portal.
  4. Assessment. Handling council's requests for information and negotiation with the assessing officer or panel, so issues are resolved without stalling the programme.
  5. After approval. Section 4.55 modifications as the project evolves, conditions that need resolving, and — where a determination goes the wrong way — appeal strategy and expert evidence.
  6. Changing the controls. Where the site's potential depends on different controls, strategic merit advice and planning proposals for rezoning.

Services for development and delivery teams

Why developers work with us

Dr George Greiss combines a Master of Property Development with years of determining development as a planning panel and committee member. That means advice that weighs planning risk in commercial terms — and a straight answer when a site will not deliver what the numbers need. Fees are fixed and agreed before work starts.

Dr George Greiss, Principal Planning Consultant, Greiss Planning

Dr George Greiss

Founder & Principal Planning Consultant · PhD Urban Planning · Adjunct Associate Professor, Western Sydney University

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Frequently asked questions

Can you assess a site before we exchange?

Yes. Pre-purchase planning due diligence is one of the most valuable things we do. We review the controls, constraints and approval history and give a clear view of what is realistically achievable, so you can price the opportunity and the risk before committing.

Can you take over an application that is already lodged?

Yes. We often step in mid-assessment — to respond to a request for information, negotiate with council, or prepare amended plans and supporting justification — and can advise whether to continue, amend or withdraw and relodge.

How do you price planning work?

Fixed fees, agreed before work starts and staged to match the project — for example, due diligence first, then the application once the pathway is clear. Consultant reports and council fees are separate.

How long does a rezoning take?

Usually years rather than months. Since 1 July 2026 the process runs in modules, starting with scoping, and the Department's benchmark for a standard planning proposal is 320 working days across lodgement to finalisation. We give a realistic view for your site as part of the initial advice.

Assessing a site or managing an approval?

Send through the address, what you are considering and your timeframe. We will give you a straight view on the planning risk and a fixed-fee quote.

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