Why Has Council Asked for a Landscape Plan?
Receiving a Request for Information (RFI) from Council can be frustrating, particularly if you thought your Development Application (DA) was complete.
One of the most common requests applicants receive is:
"Please provide a Landscape Plan prepared by a suitably qualified professional."
If you've received this request, don't panic—and don't assume your application is in trouble.
Landscape plans are commonly requested during the assessment of residential Development Applications. In many cases, Council has simply identified that additional information is needed before the application can be determined.
Why Wasn't I Told I Needed a Landscape Plan?
This is probably the first question most homeowners ask.
The reality is that many projects begin with an architect, building designer, draftsperson or swimming pool builder. At the time the application is prepared, it may not be immediately obvious that specialist landscape documentation will be required.
Once the application reaches Council, it is typically reviewed by several officers, including planning officers and, in many cases, a landscape officer.
During that assessment, Council may identify that the proposal would benefit from a professionally prepared landscape plan to demonstrate compliance with the relevant planning controls.
This is a normal part of the Development Application process and doesn't necessarily indicate there is a problem with your proposal.
Why Does Council Need a Landscape Plan?
Landscape plans are about much more than selecting plants.
Councils assess how the proposed landscape will integrate with the development and whether it satisfies the objectives of the Local Environmental Plan (LEP), Development Control Plan (DCP) and other applicable planning controls.
A landscape plan can demonstrate:
Existing and proposed planting
Tree retention and removal
Deep soil areas
Soft landscape and paved areas
Swimming pool surrounds
Retaining walls
Existing and proposed site levels
Landscape calculations
Planting schedules
Landscape compliance with council controls
The level of detail depends on the scale and complexity of the project.
Why Are Landscape Plans Important?
Good landscape design contributes to much more than appearance.
Councils are looking at how the landscape will:
Increase urban tree canopy
Improve biodiversity
Reduce stormwater runoff
Enhance neighbourhood character
Improve privacy
Reduce urban heat
Support sustainable development
A professionally prepared landscape plan demonstrates that these objectives have been considered as part of the overall design.
What Types of Projects Require Landscape Plans?
Landscape plans are commonly requested for:
New dwellings
Residential alterations and additions
Swimming pools
Dual occupancies
Multi-dwelling housing
Townhouse developments
Childcare centres
Commercial developments
Mixed-use projects
Even relatively small residential projects can require landscape documentation where local council planning controls apply.
Can I Prepare My Own Landscape Plan?
For simple projects, some homeowners choose to prepare their own plans.
However, if Council has specifically requested a landscape plan prepared by a suitably qualified professional, engaging a landscape architect or experienced landscape designer is often the most efficient way to respond.
Professional documentation typically includes accurate landscape calculations, planting schedules, coordinated plans and compliance with Council's planning requirements.
More importantly, it reduces the likelihood of further Requests for Information and helps keep the assessment process moving.
Don't Ignore the Request
When Council issues a Request for Information, the assessment process is generally paused until the requested documentation has been provided.
Responding promptly with a well-prepared landscape plan can help avoid unnecessary delays and provide Council with the information needed to continue assessing your application.
How Place Supply Can Help
Place Supply specialises in documentation-focused landscape architecture consulting for residential developments throughout New South Wales.
We regularly assist homeowners, architects, builders and pool contractors who have received Requests for Information from Council requiring additional landscape documentation.
Our services include:
Development Application landscape plans
Existing and proposed landscape plans
Planting plans and schedules
Deep soil calculations
Landscape compliance assessments
Swimming pool landscape documentation
Council planning support
Consultant coordination
Whether you're responding to a Council Request for Information or preparing a new Development Application, we can produce clear, practical documentation that addresses Council's requirements and helps move your project towards approval.
Learn more about our consulting services at https://www.placesupply.com.au/consulting.
Final Thoughts
Receiving a request for a landscape plan doesn't mean your Development Application is likely to be refused. More often, it means Council requires additional information to properly assess the proposal against its planning controls.
By engaging a landscape architect early, you can respond with professional documentation that demonstrates compliance, improves the quality of the proposal and helps keep the approval process on track.
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