Watermark Planning

What This Firm Does

Watermark Planning is a town planning consultancy established in 2000 that operates from Sydney's Northern Beaches. The practice specialises in Development Application preparation and project management across residential, commercial, industrial and community development projects throughout New South Wales. The firm focuses on guiding clients through council approval processes from initial feasibility assessment through to final determination.

Planning Services

The firm prepares Statements of Environmental Effects that assess proposed developments against state and local planning provisions under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. Services include development feasibility assessments, preliminary site reviews, and unauthorised works applications through Building Information Certificates. The practice also provides pre-purchase planning advice to property buyers and manages Development Application lodgement through the NSW Planning Portal.

• Development Application preparation and project management
• Statements of Environmental Effects for residential and commercial projects
• Building Information Certificates for unauthorised works
• Development feasibility studies and preliminary site assessments
• Pre-purchase planning reports outlining development potential

Commercial and Assessment Services

The practice provides planning support for commercial, retail and industrial development projects including adjustments to operating hours and new building construction. Watermark Planning also works with local councils conducting Development Application assessments and preparing peer reviews of council officer reports. The firm assists neighbouring property owners by reviewing development proposals and preparing objections where planning non-compliance issues are identified.

• Commercial and industrial development applications
• Council assessment services and peer reviews
• Development proposal reviews and objection preparation

Experience and Qualifications

The practice draws on 25 years of town planning experience encompassing statutory and strategic planning roles across state government, local councils and private consultancies. The team holds qualifications in planning from the University of NSW and Environmental Law from Sydney University. The firm has managed projects ranging from small residential additions to State Significant Crown Development Applications throughout the Sydney metropolitan area.

• 25 years of statutory and strategic planning experience
• University qualifications in planning and environmental law
• Experience with State Significant Development projects

Service Areas

Watermark Planning serves clients throughout New South Wales with particular expertise on Sydney's Northern Beaches and across the Sydney metropolitan area. The firm maintains regular contact with local planning officers and possesses detailed knowledge of NSW approval processes. The practice operates from Forestville and provides services across residential, maritime, industrial, commercial and community development sectors.