A substantial component of our planning work is preparing, lodging, and managing planning permit applications.
As development approvals specialists, we are facilitators, negotiators, and problem solvers dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for our clients.

We are adept at ensuring all application requirements are addressed, and appropriate justification of an application is provided. With an extensive network of local and State Government contacts, we can also access key personnel to resolve issues and facilitate the timely processing of applications. Our extensive expertise and experience also provides us with the insight, perspective, and capability to assist with a wide range of applications across different sectors, locations, and environments.

Expert evidence in a contested hearing is often critical to achieving a successful outcome. An evidence statement has to be comprehensive, accurate, and persuasive in dealing with often complex and contentious matters. An expert witness has to communicate their opinion strongly, and withstand extensive cross examination. Each of our experts is highly respected for providing expert evidence by the legal fraternity, and wider planning and construction industry across a wide range of matters. Their expertise, experience and integrity is highly sought after and relied upon in a range of jurisdictions, including the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), Planning Panels Victoria, and the Supreme Court of Victoria.

Hansen has an extensive track record of providing reliable, highly professional advocacy services at VCAT, Planning Panels Victoria, and other forums, for both public and private sector clients. The depth of our experience, insights from the wide variety of planning work we do, and our attention to detail all contribute to delivering convincing arguments on behalf of our clients. We also run internal training sessions for staff which involve moot VCAT hearings, providing a valuable opportunity to present, and learn in preparation for the real thing.

Starting off on the right track is a critical element in achieving successful planning outcomes, and saving time and money in the process. By providing carefully considered feasibility and due diligence advice and strategic thinking from the very early stages of a project, we can assist clients to mitigate risks, and navigate a successful pathway through the planning system.

Our peer review work, particularly for local government clients, represents a further element and level of depth in our broad capabilities. We are able to add value and provide insight, with a fresh and pragmatic perspective, on a range of projects, including proposed planning scheme provisions forming part of planning scheme amendments.