Council
Pre-Lodgement
Strategic council engagement before you commit to design. We manage pre-application meetings to identify issues early, understand council expectations, and position your project for success.
SQM Architects has delivered over 210 development projects across Melbourne with a 98% planning approval rate. Our team of ARBV-registered architects brings 15+ years of experience navigating Victorian planning requirements, helping developers across Melbourne's suburbs realise value from their sites.
Reduce Risk Before You Invest
Know Council's Position
Understand what council will support before spending thousands on detailed design.
Identify Issues Early
Discover potential objections, policy concerns, or site constraints before lodgement.
Faster Approvals
Applications that address council feedback upfront move through faster.
Pre-Lodgement Services
Pre-App Meeting Coordination
Arrange, prepare for, and attend council pre-application meetings on your behalf.
Concept Sketch Preparation
Prepare preliminary concept sketches suitable for pre-lodgement discussion.
Strategic Positioning Advice
Guidance on how to present your project to council in the most favourable light.
Risk Assessment
Comprehensive assessment of planning risks and how to mitigate them.
Council Feedback Summary
Documented summary of council feedback and recommended response strategy.
Go/No-Go Recommendation
Clear advice on whether to proceed with the project as planned or pivot approach.
Success in Melbourne's eastern suburbs requires architects who understand both the planning requirements and the council's design expectations.
Ideal For These Situations
Consider Pre-Lodgement When...
- Site has complex overlays or constraints
- Proposing higher density than surrounds
- Heritage or character area concerns
- Council policy is unclear or changing
- Significant investment at stake
Benefits Include...
- Avoid costly design revisions later
- Build relationship with assessing planner
- Understand neighbourhood concerns early
- Identify non-negotiable council requirements
- Confidence to proceed with investment
How Pre-Lodgement Works
We Prepare
Analyse your site, prepare concept sketches, and draft questions for council.
Council Meeting
Attend pre-application meeting with council planner to discuss your project.
Strategy Report
Provide detailed summary with recommendations for how to proceed.
Official Development Planning Guides
Victorian Planning Provisions
Access the complete VPP including Clause 54 (one dwelling), Clause 55 (two+ dwellings), and ResCode standards.
View VPPDTP Planning Guides
Official Department of Transport and Planning guides for residential development, subdivisions, and permit applications.
View GuidesResCode Standards
Residential development standards for setbacks, overlooking, overshadowing, private open space, and car parking.
View ResCodeBuilding Regulations
Victorian Building Authority regulations, National Construction Code compliance, and building permit requirements.
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Reduce Your Planning Risk
A pre-lodgement meeting can save months of delays and thousands in redesign costs. Let's discuss your project.
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