Niche Planning Studio

What This Firm Does

Niche Planning Studio is a town planning consultancy operating across Victoria, Western Australia and Tasmania. The firm specialises in strategic and statutory planning services for residential, commercial and mixed-use developments. Established by Nicola Smith, the practice focuses on placemaking outcomes and sustainable development solutions.

Strategic and Statutory Planning Services

The practice provides strategic planning services including precinct structure planning, urban renewal projects and policy review under the Planning and Environment Act 1987. Statutory planning services encompass planning permit applications, scheme amendments and subdivision approvals across metropolitan and regional locations.

• Structure planning and precinct development frameworks
• Planning permit applications for residential and commercial projects
• Scheme amendments and rezoning applications
• Urban renewal and activity centre planning
• Due diligence assessments for property transactions

Development and Design Advice

The team prepares built form assessments and public realm design guidance for major developments. Services include subdivision design, medium density housing projects and affordable housing initiatives. The firm works with developers, government agencies and community organisations on land development projects.

• Built form and urban design assessments
• Subdivision planning and design coordination
• Medium density and affordable housing projects
• Community engagement and stakeholder consultation
• Cultural heritage planning advice

Experience and Professional Standing

The firm holds extensive professional credentials with multiple Planning Institute of Australia registered planners and PIA Fellows. Team members serve on boards and committees including the Urban Development Institute of Australia Victoria, Local Government Planners Association and Global Planning Network. The practice has received national and state-level awards for sustainable development and stakeholder engagement outcomes.

• PIA registered planners with Fellow and Full Member status
• Board positions on UDIA Victoria and national planning bodies
• Award recognition for sustainable development projects
• VCAT advocacy experience across residential and commercial matters

Service Areas

Niche Planning Studio operates offices in Melbourne, Ballarat, Perth and Hobart serving clients across Victoria, Western Australia and Tasmania. The firm works with local councils, state government agencies and private sector clients on projects ranging from single dwelling applications to major urban renewal initiatives.

• Victoria including metropolitan Melbourne and regional centres
• Western Australia through Perth-based operations
• Tasmania covering Hobart and regional areas