ASK Planning is a specialized planning advisory and advocacy practice with a focus on statutory and strategic planning. It also offers consultancy and design services with its Interior Consultancy.
ASK is a boutique and agile firm, which builds upon a solid foundation of 20 years in Local Government planning and freelance project work throughout Melbourne and Victoria. Its clients are diverse from near and far throughout Australia and we manage multiple projects in the spheres of residential (high and low rise), commercial, mixed-use, industrial, hospitality, medical and child-care, as well as land-use rezoning. We also assist local government with planning systems improvements and VCAT advocacy from time-to-time. As a result, we understand the needs of all stakeholders in the process and we are able to engage with allied professionals and decision makers in our network to achieve quality outcomes within communicated timeframes.
ASK Interior Design (www.askinteriordesign.com) manages hospitality based and residential projects.
We value loyalty and respect. We are honest and direct with our opinions early in the process and value passion and transparency.
Planning Applications
Unlike many consultancies, ASK Planning has a competitive advantage having worked at management level within Local Government and the private sector. We understand processes, legislation and Council perspectives.
We represent all stakeholders in the system including developers, local residents and objectors. We understand the system and opportunities available to engage with decision makers and the consequences of decisions up to and including VCAT. We will achieve realistic outcomes and keep you informed.
Tell us what you need. We can manage:
* The entire planning process;
* Write reports;
* Respond to further information requests;
* Review objections and provide a written response;
* Negotiate with Council;
* Recommend allied professional assistance;
* Recommendations at pre-application stage or design concerns during the process.
We provide a broad range of other related services:
* Writing submissions to proposed Planning Scheme Amendments;
* Seeking Planning Scheme Amendments to change land use zoning or improve the development opportunity of land;
* Development Plan preparation with project architects;
* We work with Local Government to improve planning systems and processes, building on past experiences at Glen Eira City Council. Most recently, we assessed the opportunities for increased stakeholder engagement at Monash City Council (see link);
* VCAT representation for Local Government;
* Drafting of Design Guidelines for new residential estates;
* Broad zoning and policy review of large tracts of land for project and development feasibility
VCAT
We will represent you in a range of appeals from refusal, failure to determine, conditions and objectors. We also represent parties for certain aspects of the VCAT process such as Compulsory Conferencing (mediation). In the case of the latter, Mark has completed his training in dispute resolution (mediation) in 2014 through a recognized LEADR mediation course and is a member of LEADR Association of Dispute Resolution.
With over 20 years of running VCAT cases, ASK brings a sharp eye for key issues, which will turn an Application for Review with its skillset, experience and reputation for being solution focused. Each case differs, so we will tailor your case management based on a range of factors, having regard to allied expert input/evidence, recent VCAT case law and representing you professionally and thoroughly on the day of the hearing.
PANELS
We also present to appointed Panels at Panels Victoria on strategic matters, most recently for proposed Planning Scheme Amendments in Moreland City Council.
PUBLIC FORUMS
We regularly represent our clients at public meetings before a Council Committee or Councillors.
Need our help? Just ASK.
At ASK we act in an advisory capacity at the embryonic stage of the planning process. We are regularly engaged to provide vital upfront information through pre-application discussions with Councils, review of zoning and relevant policies, pertinent VCAT case law and yield/massing studies. This process also includes input of other allied consultants from time to time such as arborists, heritage architects and urban designers.
Come and see Ask Interior Design at www.askinteriordesign.com!
My passion is for eclectic interiors that bring together different periods, styles or elements. I like simplicity but also some quirkiness. I am fond of spaces that are cosy, warm and functional. I love creating little spaces where you can escape. The most important thing in your house is to feel comfortable and 'at home'. This means plenty of light, quality materials and warm furnishings- all important features to create a feel good living experience.
My style is a little urban, a little contemporary, a little traditional and always timeless (with a twist). I love incorporating the use of wall art and special light fixtures with my designs, giving the room designs depth, individuality and edge. The textures and colours, the furniture and the art all complete the space with a personality.
What sets me apart? I create spaces to be lived in, spaces that invite you in and surround you with comfort, whether for residential or commercial projects. I also worked 15 years as a process engineer, so I have in depth knowledge of project management, troubleshooting and budget/time management.
So what are you waiting for? Whatever you have in mind, just ASK!