Fastnet Consulting

What This Firm Does

Fastnet Consulting is a planning consultancy operating from Melbourne that specialises in development applications and planning advocacy across Victoria. The firm works with residential, commercial, industrial and aged care developments to secure planning approvals through local councils and state tribunals. Fastnet Consulting handles projects ranging from domestic residential extensions to large-scale multi-residential developments and waste transfer facilities.

Planning Services

The practice provides planning advocacy services across all development types under the Planning and Environment Act 1987. Fastnet Consulting prepares development applications for councils, manages the approval process, and represents clients at planning tribunals. The firm advises on land use requirements, reviews development proposals for compliance, and identifies risks in the approvals process.

• Planning permit applications for residential, commercial and industrial projects
• Planning scheme amendment submissions and strategic planning advice
• Advocacy at Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal hearings
• Heritage assessments and native vegetation reports
• Aboriginal cultural heritage management plans

Experience and Accreditations

The team holds qualifications in town planning and maintains membership with Planning Institute of Australia. Stephen Bitmead serves as principal with over 25 years of planning experience spanning private practice and government roles, holding Victorian Land Planner and Legal Assistant accreditation. Philip Edwards brings equivalent experience across residential, industrial, commercial and telecommunications projects with Planning Institute of Australia membership.

Tribunal and Panel Experience

Fastnet Consulting regularly appears before planning tribunals and panels across Victoria's planning system. The firm prepares advocacy statements for Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal proceedings, Planning Panels Victoria reviews, and Building Appeals Board hearings. The practice works within Victoria's planning framework to present cases for development approvals, planning scheme amendments, and permit appeals.

Development Sectors

The firm serves diverse development sectors including aged care facilities, retirement villages, and affordable housing projects. Fastnet Consulting works on medical centres, childcare facilities, and commercial retail developments across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. The practice handles industrial warehouse developments, waste management facilities, and multi-residential projects from initial feasibility through to final approval.