When I stepped back from Council, I did so with clarity and optimism — not just about where our cities were headed, but about the role planning could play in shaping our future. For over two decades, I’ve worked at the intersection of planning, politics, and community, as a mayor, consultant, and researcher. I’ve seen the power of good planning to create liveable, inclusive, future-ready places. I’ve also seen how easily it can be derailed by short-term thinking — and how costly that can be for clients, communities, and councils alike. Greiss Planning exists to bring clarity, rigour, and steady leadership to the approvals process, so good projects can move forward with confidence.
Respond strategically when a planning matter becomes contested
When a development application is refused, delayed or disputed, the next step should be guided by a clear understanding of the planning issues, the strength of the proposal and the available resolution pathways.
Greiss Planning provides strategic advice for planning appeals, disputed matters, council negotiations and matters requiring expert planning input.
When a planning dispute needs careful direction
A planning dispute is not always resolved by simply arguing harder. Often, the best pathway depends on understanding the real issues in contention, whether the proposal can be amended, and how the planning merits should be presented.
This service is especially useful when you need to:
- respond to a refused development application;
- consider options after a deemed refusal;
- understand whether an appeal or review pathway is available;
- prepare for council discussions, conciliation or negotiation;
- respond to assessment concerns raised by council;
- review the planning merits of a contested proposal; or
- obtain expert planning input for a dispute or appeal process.
What Greiss Planning reviews
Depending on the matter, Greiss Planning may review:
- the development application history;
- council’s reasons for refusal or assessment concerns;
- relevant planning controls and assessment issues;
- the proposal’s planning merits;
- opportunities for amended plans or additional information;
- appeal, review or negotiation pathways;
- council correspondence and reports;
- expert evidence requirements, where relevant;
- risks, prospects and practical options; and
- next steps for progressing or resolving the matter.
The advice is tailored to the dispute, the planning issues and the pathway most likely to assist resolution.
Clear advice when the pathway is uncertain
Planning appeals and disputes often involve technical issues, competing positions and important strategic decisions.
Greiss Planning helps clients understand the issues clearly, identify whether the proposal can be strengthened, and decide how best to respond.
The focus is on practical resolution — whether that involves negotiation, amended material, a review pathway, expert planning evidence or appeal support.
Outcome
You receive clear, project-specific advice on the planning issues, available pathways and practical options for responding to a refusal, delay or dispute.
Book Planning Appeal Support
Facing a refusal, deemed refusal or planning dispute?
Greiss Planning can review the matter and provide strategic advice on the available planning pathway.