      GOOD  
   Based on 460 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Michael Prior 
 12 October 2026
 
 
  Had a great experience with the Council Approval Group. The team promptly prepared a Preliminary Planning Assessment for me. The report by Shayne exceeded my expectations and thoroughly examined the potential for the site in detail. Justin was efficient,down to earth and enthusiastic leading the project. Also I had the privilege of talking with the owner of the company Max whose advice and strategy was profoundly wise ,experienced and clever. I can thoroughly recommend this old fashioned company . I enjoyed the experience and would highly recommend them. Regards Michael
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Benjamin Panos 
 9 September 2026
 
 
  I had a free 20min consultation on the phone with Tash and she was great! Informative, timely with her ph call, approachable. Would recommend.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   harry maher 
 25 August 2026
 
 
  I have worked alongside Grace on many occasions, Grace and Council Approval Group are very professional. I have always had a good experience.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Seo 
 9 August 2026
 
 
  Highly recommend Council Approval Group! Thanks to their team, we successfully received our council approval.

Coming into this with zero experience, I was initially unsure of what to do, but they walked me through everything step-by-step. Their deep expertise and clear communication kept the project moving seamlessly.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the whole team, especially Grace. Grace demonstrated true professionalism with clear guidance and effective solutions at every critical point, which built immense trust.

Without a doubt, 100 out of 100 service. Wishing the team continued success, and I hope many others benefit from their great service as well!"
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Charles Corby 
 9 August 2026
 
 
  We’ve now completed three projects with Council Approval Group and they’ve been fantastic every time. The team is professional, responsive, and genuinely easy to deal with — they make the approval process far less stressful. Highly recommend them to anyone doing renovation or development work.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   samantha mah 
 9 August 2026
 
 
  Council Approval Group has been excellent to work with. Jane and Tash took full ownership of our DA — from strategy through lodgement and council liaison — and made a complicated process feel manageable. Highly recommend.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Richard buck 
 8 August 2026
 
 
  We chose Council Approval Group for our subdivision because we needed the professional guidance to achieve our goal, Council Approval Group have a proven track record and as we needed a certain amount of hand holding Rupert the town planner has been a perfect match for our project and communication has been prompt and informative right through the project. We would recommend Council Approval Group for anyone going through this process it’s been a very positive experience for us and a clear and transparent  process.
Richard and Wendy Buck
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Maree Reay 
 7 August 2026
 
 
  We have engaged Council Approval Group to   assist us with applying for a DA which involves three adjoining properties, two requiring subdivision in order to provide access to a  building site for a family member. The Town Planner assigned to our project has been fantastic. He has given clear advice and  understanding of the particular dynamics of this project. We are still in the early stages of getting information needed for lodgement of the DA and feeling confident.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jodie K 
 7 August 2026
 
 
  We have only just started our journey with Council Approval Group after receiving a Show Cause Notice for a retrospective build, but we couldn’t be happier with their help so far.

They have been incredibly professional, knowledgeable and supportive, taking the time to explain everything clearly and, most importantly, helping to relieve so much of the stress and uncertainty we were feeling.

We already feel confident knowing we have Council Approval Group guiding us through the process. We highly recommend them and look forward to continuing this journey with their support.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Angela Grigoryan 
 7 August 2026
 
 
  I had a consultation with the Justin and found them to be very helpful, supportive, and genuinely interested in assisting me. They took the time to understand my situation and provided clear guidance on the approval pathway that would best suit my needs at this stage. I really appreciated their professionalism, patience, and willingness to help.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Dee L 
 6 August 2026
 
 
  A big thank you to Shayne and the team at Council Approval Group for helping us get our development application submitted to Council.

It’s been a long journey getting to this point, and after more than a year of trying to get everything sorted, having our application finally submitted has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders.

We really appreciate Shayne’s time, effort and guidance throughout the process and all his help in getting us to this stage. Looking forward to a great result with Council. Highly recommend!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Ely Jahjah 
 6 August 2026
 
 
  Really great communication and support from RUPERT as ni am building a warehouse and he has supported me through the whole process making it quite smooth.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jenny Herdman 
 6 August 2026
 
 
  We have been working closely with the team to help us navigate all things we need for our permits. They have been patient, thorough and very professional.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Rob Harvy 
 6 August 2026
 
 
  I've had a really positive experience with Council Approval Group. I have an open development issue with the Council for unapproved works (unfortunately bought the property warts and all) which we've been able to determine the best way forwards in what is a pretty stressful experience! (Having the council chasing you with potential fines etc.). Having the experts take over for you makes a difference. Justin, Shane and Max have been very engaging!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Graeme Gillbanks 
 6 August 2026
 
 
  I thought that their presentation was really helpful and the team have a great understanding of the council processes and I would recommend them to anyone seeking council approvals. We did not proceed as our circumstances changed and everything was sorted out.
Thanks anyway, Regards Graeme.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Joey Ashby 
 5 August 2026
 
 
  Colin, Lauren, the numerous senior town planners, and the entire team at Council Approval Group are amazing people. If you’ve ever wished that someone in the property investing/development world would truly care about your project and you as a person and not just a number, then these are the kind of people you want to be working with.
The genuine care is amazing. They have assisted us in doing a dual occupancy subdivision on a standard residential block - something I thought you couldn’t do. But this is what they specialise in; finding ways to maximise your project.
If you have an existing property and are wondering what you might be able to do with it, or are looking at purchasing something as an investment and want to know what additional value could be added to the block, you are doing yourself a disservice if you don’t have a chat with these guys.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Chris Heath 
 5 August 2026
 
 
  I have had a great experience so far with Council Approval Group. They have given me some great advice as to how to progress my building plans which had been in limbo for nearly 2 years with several roadblocks. More recently I have engaged them to revisit my architectural plans and have been working with Giuseppe Calabrese who has been very responsive to my requests and come up with some great ideas to progress my plans though council.
  
 
     Posted on Product Review  
   
   Cameron 
 24 June 2026
 
 
 Verified Great team and easy to work with. They understood my plans and helped them become a reality. I will definitely be working with Council Approval Group for my future projects.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Tegan 
 19 June 2026
 
 
  Rupert was very helpful in having weekly meeting with our company. He guided us in the right direction and steps to take to move forward in our property development process.
  
 
     Posted on Product Review  
   
   Hans 
 16 June 2026
 
 
 Verified An excellent team getting us through to the end goal! We have been supported and guided through the process of obtaining the appropriately zoned property for our business. We have exactly what we want now. Thank you team!

Simplifying Planning Rules so you don’t have to spend countless hours trying to understand them.
A Town Planner is the best professional to interpret the complex Town Planning legislation so that they can maximise the opportunities available to you and your site.

02

Town Planners can manage all communication with your local council on your behalf, ensuring a comprehensive and coordinated journey for your project.
Fostering positive relationships increases the likelihood of your development project’s successful outcome.

01

ONE PLAN FOR THE COAST

Central Coast LEP and DCP 2022

Since 1 August 2022, the old Gosford and Wyong plans have been replaced by the Central Coast LEP 2022 and DCP 2022. Gosford City Centre has its own State controls, and some sensitive land is still under older instruments. Advice from before 2022 may be out of date.

02

SITE CONSTRAINTS

Often decide more than zoning

Council’s DCP has chapters for flooding, coastal hazards, on-site sewage, trees, geotechnical issues and scenic character, and much of the Coast is bushfire-prone. A planner should look at your site before a designer draws anything.

03

NSW HOUSING REFORMS

They apply — with a catch

Dual occs are allowed on most R2 land since July 2024. Since 28 February 2025, land within 800 m walk of Gosford, Woy Woy and Wyong stations, The Entrance, Erina Fair, Green Point and Westfield Tuggerah can support more housing. High bushfire and flood risk land is excluded.

On the Coast, the bushfire and flood exclusions rule out more lots than in most of Sydney. Check before you buy or design.

Where we help on the Central Coast

Gosford
Wyong
Tuggerah
The Entrance
Terrigal
Erina
Kincumber
Avoca Beach
Woy Woy
Umina Beach
Ettalong Beach
Kariong
Narara
Lisarow
Ourimbah
Toukley
Budgewoi
Lake Haven
Warnervale
Wadalba
Hamlyn Terrace
Gwandalan

01

Granny Flats

A CDC is often possible, but bushfire and flood mapping frequently push Coast granny flats into a DA.

02

Dual Occupancy

Now possible on most R2 land; lot size, slope and hazards decide whether it works.

03

Subdivision

From splitting a suburban block to larger lots on the rural fringe.

04

Holiday Lets & Airbnb

Short-term rental and tourism approvals for coastal properties.

05

Extensions & Renovations

Second storeys and rebuilds, including sloping and waterfront sites.

06

Unauthorised Works

Decks, sheds and conversions built without approval, or a council notice to answer.

07

Large Sheds & Rural Dwellings

For acreage in the hinterland and valleys.

08

Change of Use & Cafes

For businesses in the Coast’s town centres

01

Wasting Money:

A Town Planner provides architects with important information during the design phase. Plans may not receive development approval without a town planner’s guidance regarding council requirements.

02

Inefficient Land Use:

Without a Town Planner, you may not understand your site’s full potential, which could seriously impact the returns on your investment.

03

Wasting Time:

Not understanding regulatory requirements could prompt further enquiries from the council, delaying the start of your project.

04

Refusal:

Sometimes, submissions receive objections. However, Town Planners, with their understanding of the system, can often find ways to improve approval outcomes, giving you a better chance of success

01

Our Town Planners Used To Work for Council
Having worked for council means that our team speaks the same language as council staff, giving your project the best chance.

02

Five decades of experience
Many of our Town Planners have decades of experience, including our Co- Founder Max Frager who is a Life Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia.

03

Values
Founded on the shoulders of a father and son team, with values of integrity, respect & perseverance.

04

Local knowledge
Many of our Town Planners are based in the suburbs of Sydney, Blue Mountains and regional NSW, so we can give you local knowledge.

05

50,000+ Projects – We get results
We get results with council. After 50,000+ projects, that’s why they call us the “Council Approval Experts”.

06

Fully experienced across a diverse range of projects
Having helped with over 50,000 projects, there isn’t a project that we haven’t had experience with.

07

We make the path smooth
Leave the challenge of dealing with local government to the experts

08

We push the boundaries
By challenging the expectations of our industry we believe we can redefine the value that we offer.

50,000 +

People
Helped

387+ YRS

Collective
Experience

2.5 DAYS

How Often We
Get Approval

$500K

Potential Value
Added to Clients

1

Free 30-Minute Consult

Tell us what you want to do and we'll tell you if it's worth pursuing.

2

Preliminary Planning Assessment

A town planner maps out what your Central Coast block can support and the smartest path to approval.

3

Your DA or CDC, Led by a Town Planner

We coordinate the designer and consultants, prepare and lodge the application, and deal with Central Coast Council for you through to approval.

01

We used to work for council

Our team speaks the same language as council staff, giving your project the best chance.

02

50 years of planning leadership

Led by co-founder Max Fragar, a Life Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia.

03

A town planner leads your DA

Not a draftsman. Your planner sets the strategy and coordinates everyone else.

04

50,000+ projects

30 years in business and an approval every 2.5 days.

RESIDENTIAL

COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL

RURAL

OTHER

Loading map locations…

Do I need a DA for a granny flat on the Central Coast?

Not always. If your lot meets the State standards, a granny flat can often be approved as a Complying Development Certificate (CDC). But bushfire-prone or flood-affected land often rules a CDC out, and on the Coast that’s common.

Which planning rules apply to my Central Coast property?

Most land is covered by the Central Coast LEP 2022 and DCP 2022, which replaced the old Gosford and Wyong plans on 1 August 2022. Gosford City Centre has its own State controls, and some environmentally sensitive land is still under older instruments.

Can I build a dual occupancy on the Central Coast?

On most R2 Low Density Residential land, yes. Since July 2024, NSW rules allow dual occupancies with consent in most R2 zones. Lot size, slope, bushfire and flood constraints decide whether your block works.

Does the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy apply on the Central Coast?

Yes, within 800 m walking distance of Gosford, Woy Woy and Wyong stations and town centres, The Entrance, Erina Fair, Green Point Village and Westfield Tuggerah. Land with high bushfire or flood risk and heritage items are excluded.

My property is bushfire-prone. Can I still build?

Often, yes. You’ll usually need a bushfire assessment, and the design may need to meet construction standards for your bushfire risk level. A planner can tell you early whether your project is worth pursuing.

Can I subdivide my block on the Central Coast?

It depends on your zone, the minimum lot size for your land, access and constraints. A PPA will confirm what your block allows before you spend money on plans.

Should I book a pre-lodgement meeting with Central Coast Council?

For most residential projects, we recommend a Preliminary Planning Assessment first. It looks for the best outcome your site supports and gives you a strategy before plans are drawn; council’s advice is non-binding and usually needs plans to comment on.

What if council has issued a notice about unapproved works?

Don’t ignore it. We help Central Coast owners respond to council, assess what can be approved retrospectively and lodge the right application to regularise the works.

What is your success rate of getting council approval?

*We have a 98% success rate in achieving development approval where our client follows our proven process and is willing to seek approval on appeal if needed. The key is our Preliminary Planning Assessment.

Want to Talk About Your Project?

If you are ready to remove the hassle and stress out of the Council Approval process, then it’s time to claim your Free 30-Minute Consultation.

In your free phone discussion you’ll have the opportunity to share why you need approval, what development type you’ll need it for, and if we’re a good fit to work together.

Then based on our chat, and our proven formula, we’ll often recommend a Preliminary Planning Assessment (PPA) as the first step to unlock any hidden value that may be hiding within your property to help maximise the potential of it for you. Before jumping into a hearty development application, we love showing our clients how just this simple step can add tens of thousands of dollars in value to their project.

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