Commercial, Industrial & Mixed Use Projects

Whether you’re establishing a warehouse, café, medical centre, childcare facility, or large-scale industrial development, EDQ Town Planning provides tailored advice and expert support to get your commercial or industrial project approved.

We understand the complexities of land use zoning, amenity impacts, infrastructure requirements, and referral authority input, especially in regional and peri-urban areas where planning controls often vary significantly between municipalities.

Planning Support for All Development Types

We work with developers, business owners, investors, franchise operators and government agencies across Victoria to secure approvals for a wide range of land use and development projects, including:

• Shops, supermarkets and showrooms
• Industrial developments and warehouses
• Cafés, restaurants and takeaway food premises
• Medical centres and consulting rooms
• Childcare centres and early learning facilities
• Gyms, wellness studios and indoor recreation
• Breweries, distilleries and hospitality venues
• Commercial offices and co-working spaces
• Service stations and convenience outlets
• Mixed-use developments (residential + commercial)

We tailor our advice to your proposal, your site, and the planning context — not just the planning scheme controls, but also local council policies, structure plans, and referral agency expectations.

Common Planning Triggers in Commercial Zones

Many commercial, industrial or mixed-use projects require a planning permit under one or more of the following triggers:

• Use of land (e.g. medical centre in a Commercial 1 Zone)
• Buildings and works (especially in Commercial or Industrial Zones)
• Car parking reductions (under Clause 52.06)
• Signage controls (Clause 52.05)
• Overlays (e.g. Heritage Overlay, Design and Development Overlay)

We assess these requirements in full and provide a clear summary of what approvals are needed.

Our Services Include:

Feasibility and Pre-Application Advice

We’ll assess zoning, overlays, policies, permit triggers, and authority requirements before you invest in full plans, helping you understand costs, risks, and timeframes up front.

Planning Reports & Application Lodgement

We prepare comprehensive planning assessment reports and lodge your permit application with Council, coordinating required sub-consultants (e.g. traffic engineers, acoustic consultants, architects) as needed.

Drafting & Design Support

Our in-house drafting team (via Red Line Plans) can prepare site plans, elevations, signage diagrams, car parking layouts, swept paths, and more, streamlining your application process.

Referral Authority Liaison

We regularly work with referral authorities including VicRoads, CFA, EPA Victoria, DELWP/DECCA, Melbourne Water, and local infrastructure providers.

Planning Hearing & Advocacy

If objections are received or a VCAT hearing is required, we can assist with advocacy, expert evidence briefs, and strategy, particularly where local politics may play a role.

Regional Planning, Local Insight

From growth areas like Ballarat, Melton, Bacchus Marsh, Geelong and Bendigo to smaller rural townships, we understand the nuances of planning in regional Victoria.

We offer:

• Deep knowledge of regional commercial and industrial zoning issues
• Experience with mixed-use developments in heritage or overlay-affected areas
• Practical understanding of rural amenity and infrastructure constraints
• A results-driven approach that balances planning compliance with business needs

Get Your Project Off the Ground

If you’re proposing a commercial, industrial or mixed-use development, or need help navigating a change of use, car parking waiver, or signage issue, contact EDQ Town Planning. We’ll provide the insight, strategy and documentation you need to move forward with confidence.