01 / What it is
Neighbourhood & site description
A site analysis plan (often called a neighbourhood and site description in Victorian planning schemes) records the existing conditions of a property and its surrounds. It is the factual base for the design response: how a proposal responds to the site, neighbours and planning controls.
Councils use it to see boundaries, buildings, trees, levels, orientation, adjoining dwellings and constraints before judging overshadowing, overlooking, setbacks or neighbourhood character.
02 / When it is needed
Planning permits & development applications
Most Victorian residential planning permits need a neighbourhood and site description with the design response. In NSW, QLD and SA the same drawing is usually called a site analysis plan.
We prepare these plans for projects across SA, QLD, VIC and NSW. For larger projects we work on site with your team. Related: the planning permit process, house planning permit page, and our free ResCode checklist.
03 / What we include
What goes on the plan
A typical site analysis plan sets out:
Title & dimensions
Title boundaries, lot dimensions and easements from the title or plan of subdivision.
Buildings & trees
Existing buildings, significant trees and other features that affect siting.
Levels & contours
Levels and contours where a survey is available.
North & orientation
North point and orientation for overshadowing and solar access.
Adjoining dwellings
Neighbouring dwellings, windows and secluded private open space.
Street & access
Street frontage, crossovers and vehicle access.
Views & noise
Views, outlook and noise sources where they matter to the design response.
Overlays & constraints
Planning overlays and other constraints noted for the design response.
04 / What we need
Information from you
Please send the title and plan of subdivision, a feature and level survey if available, recent photos, and the address with a short project note.
05 / Process
Three clear steps
Share the site
Send the address, title documents, survey if available, photos and a short project note.
We map the place
We record existing conditions, adjoining interfaces and constraints.
Design response ready
You receive a site analysis plan ready to sit with the design response and drawings.