The planning process is complicated, time consuming and can be very costly. Every year many clients are caught in the middle of battles with councils, objectors and the VCAT process, throwing money at their proposal, hoping that they will make money at the end of the day. While the industry does NOT require a registered practitioner to represent your best interest and hard earned money, how do you
know the person or company you engage to submit a planning application really know what they are doing? We have helped many clients who provide their application that has been refused from another firm, and it is disappointing to see that many of these never had a chance of succeeding from the initial concept. While ultimately it is the client's decision in evaluating the risk and return of a site and what is proposed, we believe it is a professional duty of care to ensure that the client understands the possible complications, issues, and restraints of the site
along with the positive opportunities of each site. Each site is unique, and demands a response appropriate for this site. Andrew Ferris Drafting and Design Pty Ltd is a reputable company and we would rather indicate to a client that their proposal is inapropriate and lose the job, than take their money and provide no permit at the end of the process. We consider the right advice and a good return for our clients is the best way to ensure they return, and many of our clients have gone on to develop mulitple sites over many years. As a registered building practitioner we understand the construction process and are able to provide full building permit documentation. Many unregistered or inexperienced firms either have to refer you to someone else to complete the process or the planning drawings provide issues in the later phases that require re-submission or planning amendments that cost time and money to rectify. Additionally Andrew attends regular conferences and seminars to keep up to date with the reguarly changing legislation and regulations. Some large firms have numerous staff that might work on your project, some of these might be inexperienced or you find your application is moved from desk to desk, and you can never speak to the right person, they will not return your call or cannot get the right advice. At Andrew Ferris Drafting and Design Pty Ltd, we have only 2 staff and Andrew Ferris will be the person who prepares your application from start to finish. We have a great network of consultants we reguarly use on our projects for items such as soil reports, engineering, energy ratings, traffic reports, planning representation, cultural reports, arborists and surveyors. While the client may engage these consultants directly the process is co-ordinated by this office, allowing you to sit back and be in the knowledge that your application is proceeding forward as quickly as possible, and you do not have to follow up with numerous phone calls and emails to get a response or action. Andrew Ferris Drafting and Design Pty Ltd works with councils across Victoria. There is no need to engage a 'local firm' to each project you undertake. Just because another firm may be closer to your proposed development site, it does not mean they have a better understanding of the local planning scheme, neighbourhood character, zoning or critical factors that affect the final design outcome. So when you compare quotes from companies, consider the bigger picture, do not be hesitant in asking questions, and evualuating the wider issues. We are confident that you will be more than satisfied with the service, advice and project outcome when you choose Andrew Ferris Drafting and Design P/L.
