Parker Scanlon

09/10/2026

This afternoon, our team will be coming together for our annual Big Blue Table!

As part of Mental Health Month, Big Blue Table is an opportunity to share a meal, strengthen connections, and have meaningful conversations about mental health in a relaxed and supportive environment.

It's also a great chance for some team bonding and to reflect on the importance of looking out for one another, both in and out of the workplace.

We're proud to be supporting Beyond Blue, with every dollar raised helping fund their Support Service for Australians.

💙

01/10/2026

Officially converting the office balcony into a Knights supporters bay. First Grand Final in 25 years. Newcastle is ready. 💙❤️🏆

29/09/2026

We are pleased to highlight two recent Development Applications that achieved outstanding approval timeframes under Newcastle City Council's Accelerated Development Application (ADA) Pathway, with both applications approved in less than 10 days from the payment of Council fees.

The first project involved an Attached Dual Occupancy Development Application, which received approval in just 7 days. Through detailed site analysis, thoughtful design, and the preparation of a comprehensive application package, the proposal was able to progress efficiently through Council's assessment process, resulting in a swift and successful outcome for our client.

Our second success involved a Strata Subdivision of an existing Multi-Dwelling Housing development, which was approved in only 4 days! The streamlined assessment process allowed our client to move forward with confidence and progress the project sooner.

While approval timeframes vary depending on project complexity and Council workloads, these results highlight the benefits of thorough planning, high-quality documentation, and proactive project management.
Newcastle Council’s success with their ADA initiative is being recognised by other Councils in NSW, with Central Coast Council now implementing a similar model.

We are proud to continue delivering efficient approval outcomes and help our clients navigate the development process with confidence.

23/09/2026

One of the first questions many property owners ask when planning a development is whether they should pursue a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC). While both pathways can ultimately achieve the same outcome, understanding the differences early can save significant time, money and frustration throughout the project.

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One of the first questions many property owners ask when planning a development is whether they should pursue a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC). While both pathways can ultimately achieve the same outcome, understanding the differences early can save signifi

08/09/2026

The new Statewide Community Participation Plan came into effect on 1 September 2026 as part of the rollout of planning reforms. The plan replaces more than 100 individual community participation plans previously used across New South Wales.

The aim of the plan is to ensure consultation is clear, consistent, and accessible across NSW, giving everyone an equal opportunity to have their say on planning decisions, regardless of where they live.

The plan standardises consultation and public exhibition timeframes for planning functions across NSW while encouraging community engagement earlier in the planning process, where it can have the greatest impact.
While the Statewide Community Participation Plan sets out exhibition timeframes and guiding principles, councils will continue to determine the most appropriate ways to engage with their local communities on planning matters through their own engagement strategies.

Transitional arrangements apply to development and modification applications that were lodged before 1 September 2026 but had not yet been determined. These applications will continue to be assessed under the community participation requirements of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 that applied at the time they were lodged.

The Statewide Community Participation Plan will be reviewed periodically in accordance with section 2.24(3) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

The Department will continue to work with stakeholders to monitor the effectiveness of these changes and support the timely delivery of new homes across the state.

- Parker Scanlon Town Planning Team

01/09/2026

Today, on the first day of Spring, we are proud to announce our new initiative that reflects our commitment to leaving a positive environmental impact. From today, for every large project we commence, a tree will be planted.

The concept started during discussions about the impact we want our work to have beyond project completion. At Parker Scanlon we are intentional about the projects we take part in. Because we believe our role is more than just shaping places where people live and work. It felt right to select an initiative that aligns not only with Parker Scanlon’s core values; Excellence, Integrity, Commitment, Respect, and Communication but is also a meaningful way to give back to the environment.

This direction mirrors the global commitment of the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG), which focuses on establishing a set of ethical principles that fit the surveying profession. Earlier this year we shared the news that our Director, Mark Scanlon has been elected as the 2027-2030 FIG, Commission 1 Chair. We are inspired to continue demonstrating leadership, responsibility, and stewardship within the surveying sector and extending this into our town planning department here at Parker Scanlon.

This initiative of planting a tree for each large job we commence also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). In particular, those focused on sustainable cities and communities, climate action, and life on land which is an initiative that aligns with the objectives of FIG working with SDGs.

One project. One Tree. A small action that, over time, will grow into something much bigger.

14/08/2026

Nothing starts the day better than a great coffee and even better clients!

A big thank you to Hunter Homes for bringing their coffee van to our office this morning and shouting the team coffees. We truly value the strong relationship we've built together and appreciate the support, collaboration, and camaraderie that extends beyond the workplace.

Thanks for making our morning!

10/08/2026

We're proud to be sponsoring the Open 4 Open Draft at the Walgett Charity Bushman’s Carnival from the 14-16th of August 2026.

Earlier in the year we announced our Town Planning expansion into Far-Northwestern NSW. At Parker Scanlon, we hold value in Supporting regional communities because it closely aligns with three of our core values; Commitment, Respect, and Communication. Events like the Walgett Charity Bushman's Carnival bring people together, celebrate rural heritage and ultimately strengthens the connections that make regional Australia such a great place to live and work.

That's why we're proud to sponsor the Open 4 Open Draft at the Walgett Charity Bushman's Carnival 2026. Events like these play an important role in connecting communities, supporting local economies and preserving the traditions that are at the heart of rural NSW. The Open 4 Open Draft is generally considered one of the premier classes at a campdraft because both horse and rider are expected to perform at a high standard, showcasing exceptional horsemanship, stock handling, and community spirit.

We're excited to be involved and wish all competitors the very best for the event. If you're looking for a great weekend away, we encourage you to come along and experience life over the divide and support the local communities that bring the event to life!

05/08/2026

Parker Scanlon are excited to be part of a Planning Proposal for a One into Twenty-eight Lot Subdivision at Nulkaba in preparing Concept Subdivision layouts and the required Social Impact Assessment (SIA).

This afternoon, we are holding a community drop-in session that is open to the public at the Performing Arts Culture Cessnock (PACC) from 3.00pm to 6.00pm. This session provides us with valuable feedback on the proposal to assist in future planning before the application is finalised and will ensure that the needs of the community are met. Further engagement with relevant public and private authorities and agencies also assists in the SIA process for the project.

Most larger development proposals require careful planning and stakeholder consultation to ensure that the final outcome has considered the impacts, both positive and negative, on the community in which it sits, hence the need for a robust SIA. They assist developers, planners, and councils in understanding how the proposal may affect residents, local infrastructure, and community wellbeing. Importantly, SIAs also support meaningful community engagement. They provide a framework for understanding local concerns and building trust between developers, councils, and residents.

Ultimately, a Social Impact Assessment is not just a planning requirement. It is a valuable tool for creating liveable, inclusive, and resilient communities that deliver lasting benefits for both current and future residents.

27/07/2026

Unlawful Works and Navigating the Compliance Legal Framework

Our Town Planning team often receive enquiries from clients who, for various reasons, need to have unlawful works that were previously undertaken without the appropriate approval rectified for legal occupation. We recently attended a webinar presented by Dentons Australia’s Sydney legal team to gain an understanding of the most recent legal requirements.

Usually, the owner of a property will be made aware of unlawful works or usage on their property either during the sale or purchase of the property or after a Notice of Intent to issue a Development Control Order (DCO) from the consent authority (i.e. local Council). The DCO will outline the intention to issue an order, the terms of the order, a period for compliance and the opportunity to respond.

A DCO can include requirements such as stop construction works, cease the unlawful usage of the site, demolition of works, stop demolition of works or restorative works. The DCO can be issued to either the owner or the person undertaking the works. There are very strict guidelines the consent authority must comply with as outlined in the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). If the person who is issued a DCO does not comply with the order, criminal or civil proceedings may occur.

Mechanisms to regularise and rectify

There are ways that you can regularise or rectify the works or usage to satisfy the consent authority.

Building Information Certificate (BIC) – this applies only to unlawful construction works, not the usage of the land. Most BIC applications will provide plans to show the works undertaken, provide structural engineering plans and any other relevant plans or reports for the specific works. Once issued, the BIC will be valid for seven years, and further BIC’s must be lodged every seven years to ensure the validity of the BIC.

Section 4.55 Modification (MOD) - A MOD to an existing approved DA consent can be made to change the usage of the site or building to the required use, as long as it is shown that it meets the ‘substantially the same’ test required by the EP&A Act. It cannot retrospectively approve unlawful construction works.

New Development Application (DA) – A new DA can be made to change the usage of the site or building to the required use. Again, it cannot retrospectively approve unlawful construction works.

Planning Proposal (PP) – A PP can be made to amend the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) to change the land use category and make the usage permissible without consent, however this process is quite complex and time consuming.

The legislative requirements for unlawful works are quite complex and we recommend to engage with a Town Planning expert early to ensure deadlines at met and that the owner shows the consent authority that they are committed to rectifying the unlawful development.