Designing a Modern Medical Centre in Victoria: Planning, Compliance and Cost Insights. The subject site comprises 2000 sqm allotment with frontage to a Transport Zone (previously termed Road Zone), gently falling from the front to the rear of the property. This slope offers practical benefits for access, drainage, and discreet rear-service arrangements within a medical facility. Council approved a substantial medical centre for multiple practitioners, including Consulting spe

This project is a strong example of what can be achieved through strategic town planning, even on a constrained suburban site in Melbourne. Jim and I previously collaborated on a complex heritage development, where we secured council approval to transform a neglected cottage into a high-end 7-star luxury home. The design included six bedrooms, a fully tiled in-ground concrete pool, and a large alfresco entertaining area—demonstrating how thoughtful planning can unlock signifi

Front verandah of his dream home Oh! Calcutta Connectivity! Green bridges instead of corridors in an apartment block. Screen to conceal AC unit. Duplex and outlook.

Securing a planning permit is never a simple task — especially when the project involves complex site constraints, competing considerations, and a long list of planning conditions. But when persistence, teamwork, and vision align, the result can be something truly remarkable. Following our recent article, Once in a Lifetime Permit , one of our clients shared their reflections on this milestone achievement: “Hi Swarup, Thank you for documenting this journey so well. You perfe

Every now and then, a planning project comes along that truly tests the limits of what patience, expertise, and collaboration can achieve. This was one of those projects. On a vacant block zoned Neighbourhood Residential, our clients dreamed of building a multi‑generational home for two families and their grandchild—a space where memories could be made for decades to come. Alongside the home, they also envisioned a separate small medical centre with its own entrance and park

We asked Google which Ai feasibility engine works best for townhouse sites in Victoria When you are about to spend seven figures on a townhouse project, the first question is simple: which feasibility engine can I trust with the numbers? So we asked Google. What is DuttaAi? DuttaAi is a supervised Actual Intelligence engine built specifically for Victorian dual occupancy and townhouse sites, not a generic global proptech toy. It has been trained and tuned by a Registered Urb

Mixed use project approved 2026 Sweet success for the owners, the team and the great planning officer! The joint owners of the land entrusted us to take over the project from a top architectural firm — a challenge we gladly accepted and delivered with pride. After months of collaboration, refinement, and dedication, we successfully secured planning approval for an integrated development comprising an Early Learning Centre for 130 children, a retail building, and a striking si

Turning a factory to a celebrity Business Park Adaptive Reuse of an Industrial Precinct When I was contracted to lead a 6,000 sqm industrial commercial project, the brief was clear: create a high‑performing business park with a city‑like atmosphere rather than a conventional shed estate. The investor and stakeholder group chose a Federation‑style design language to give the estate enduring character, street presence, and a strong identity in an increasingly competitive indu

Discover DuttaAi: Victorian Dual Occupancy & Townhouse Feasibility Tool. By Swarup Dutta—expert planner, former Swinburne lecturer, property developer (B.Arch., Registered Urban & Regional Planner, 250+ permits managed). Delivers compliant garden areas, setbacks, driveway widths, SOPS & site orientation for standard lots—plus pre-drawings profitability tests. Victoria's top AI planning engine.

By Swarup Dutta | Town Planner & Development Feasibility Specialist | 20 February 2026 So, you've finally found it – a generous development site in suburban Victoria with a long north-facing side boundary, perfect for a neat row of four townhouses bathed in natural light. The block is largely level, with a wide street frontage that can comfortably accommodate two crossovers and driveways, and a clear grassed nature strip with no street trees, power poles or hydrants in the wa

Childcare approved by Banyule Council Starting or running a childcare centre here in Victoria is such a rewarding way to support our local families and build a business that sits at the heart of the community. However, there’s no sugar-coating it—it comes with some pretty hefty regulatory and financial responsibilities. With the Best Start, Best Life reforms in full swing, including Free Kinder and the rollout of Pre-Prep , the Victorian landscape is changing fast. While de

Torrens Titled subdivision Strata or Torrens Titled Subdivision: Choosing the Right Option for Your Development. When planning a dual occupancy, duplex, townhouse, or low‑rise apartment project in Victoria, one crucial early decision is how to subdivide your land. The two main types — Strata and Torrens Title (Freehold) — affect ownership structure, design flexibility, and long‑term property value. Understanding these differences ensures your subdivision aligns with both pla

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10 Critical Questions Every Victorian Landowner Must Answer Before Developing a Dual Occupancy Dual occupancy development can unlock great value from your property — but it’s also a complex journey through planning rules, council requirements, and site limitations. Before you invest serious time or money, make sure you can confidently answer these ten critical questions. They’ll help you uncover hidden risks early and position your project for council approval. 1. Title Audit

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Vastu inspired approved Duplex- one for passive income

Artist impression only Proposed Use Why it fits an 8,000m² site Probability of Success Integrated Health & Childcare You could fit a 120-place childcare centre and a 10-practitioner medical clinic. High Over-55s Lifestyle Village A small-scale gated community of 12-15 luxury villas. Medium Place of Assembly The area has seen significant growth in diverse religious communities seeking local hubs. Medium Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Multiple high-physical-support