What We Do for Your Success
Town Planning
State and local planning legislation and policies set the rules that control what development can occur on your land. We have considerable experience in town planning and environmental planning law, and can provide clear advice …
Development Application Preparation
Many forms of development, including subdivision, construction, building and earthworks, and proposals to change the use of existing buildings, require approval before it can be carried out. You apply for development consent by lodging a …
Project Management
Getting approval is only the first step in a development and during each stage a range of professional consultants, contractors and approvals may be involved.You may need an architect or plan drawer to prepare your …
Statement of Environmental Effects
A Statement of Environmental Effects is a document detailing a proposed development and its potential impacts. All Development Applications must be accompanied by a Statement of Environmental Effects. Your DA should address all relevant matters, …
Pre-Purchase / General Planning Advice
If you are looking at buying a property or undertaking development and want to know what you can do on your land, we can provide you with written advice that will help you understand the …
Our Management
Nicole Gerrard
Straight Forward Planning is managed by Nicole Gerrard, who has extensive knowledge of local planning, bushfire and environmental planning law. After completing her degree through the Newcastle University in 2001, Nicole worked as an ecologist for environment consulting firms in Sydney and in Newcastle. During this time, she gained experience in the relatively new field of bushfire risk assessments for developments and from 2004, Nicole managed her own business called Bushfire Consulting Specialists while raising her young family. Following this, Nicole commenced work as a town planner for Le Mottee Group in 2011, where she gained invaluable experience working on a range of projects from dwellings to large subdivisions and rezoning projects. In addition, Nicole was a member of the EPA's Community Lead Reference Group from early 2015 until late 2017, and understands the issues regarding the legacy of lead contamination in North Lake Macquarie and development restrictions. In 2018, Nicole commenced post-graduate studies and is half-way through completing her Master in Environmental Law through the Newcastle University. Nicole endeavours to find the most practical and uncomplicated approach to development and enjoys working with her clients to achieve the best outcome in an honest, timely and efficient manner. Her experience is vast and you can be certain she will approach each job, whether small or large, with the highest professional standard.Call Today for a chat about our Services
