Planning with clarity, purpose and care.

From early advice to final approvals, we help you navigate the planning process with confidence and practical support, backed by real-world experience.
Our Services
planning advice
Planning Advice
Clear, tailored planning advice to help you understand what’s possible and how to get there. We’ll guide you through risks, opportunities and next steps with confidence.
pre application meetings
Pre-Application Meetings with Council
We coordinate and attend pre-application meetings with Council to clarify requirements early and lay the groundwork for a smoother approval process.
planning reports
Planning Reports
We prepare clear, well-reasoned planning reports that communicate the merits of your proposal and support a positive outcome.
project management
Project Management
From consultants to Council, we manage the moving parts of your planning project to reduce stress and deliver smooth, timely outcomes.
due diligence
Due Diligence
Before you commit, we’ll assess the planning constraints, risks and opportunities of your site or proposal so you can move forward with confidence.
strategic planning
Strategic Planning
A meticulous review of your plans to ensure they meet planning scheme requirements and align with Council expectations before submission.
permit image
Planning Permit Applications
We take the complexity out of planning permit applications, guiding you through the process with expert advice, clear communication, and ongoing support.
01
ABOUT US

We're a trusted and experienced Town Planning Consultancy dedicated to simplifying the complex.

home about us image

Our team, headed by Nicole Dixon, collaborates with homeowners, developers, and councils to deliver practical planning solutions across Victoria.

Our approach is built on trust, responsiveness, and clear communication. We understand that planning projects can feel overwhelming, especially for those unfamiliar with the process. That’s why we’re here: to break it down, guide it forward, and get it done right. While our services are professional, our tone is personal.

We believe in being direct, helpful, and transparent—supporting our clients with advice that’s grounded, relevant, and effective.

Whether you're exploring your site’s potential or managing an unexpected objection, we’re with you every step of the way.

What sets us apart

Our values guide every decision we make. From open collaboration to a can-do approach, we’re driven by integrity, mutual respect, and a commitment to growth, ensuring our team stays focused, adaptable, and aligned in delivering strong planning outcomes.
passion icon

Passion

Our work is driven by a genuine passion for planning that delivers real, lasting value.
integrity icon

Integrity

We give clear advice, backed by insight and delivered with integrity at every stage.
teamwork icon

Teamwork

Strong planning outcomes come from strong collaboration within our team and with yours.
respect icon

Respect & Trust

We build trust through respectful relationships, clear communication, and consistent follow-through.
can do icon

Can-do attitude

We stay solutions-focused even when projects get complex.
learning icon

Learning & Development

Planning is always evolving so are we. We invest in learning to support better outcomes.

Meet Nicole

Director / Principal Town Planner
Nicole
With over nine years’ experience in private sector town planning, Nicole brings a calm, solutions-focused approach to every project.

Her experience spans feasibility assessments, due diligence, planning reports, community engagement, Council negotiations, and end-to-end project coordination.

Nicole’s advice is grounded in deep knowledge of the Victorian Planning Scheme and delivered in plain language, helping clients make confident, informed decisions. She has contributed to a diverse range of developments across Victoria, including residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use projects, always with a focus on practical outcomes that benefit both clients and communities. Collaborative and detail-oriented, Nicole is passionate about helping projects progress smoothly - connecting people, managing timelines, and working closely with councils and consultants to keep planning pathways clear.

Key Skills
  • Strong working knowledge of the Victorian Planning Scheme and Planning and Environment Act 1987
  • Skilled in report writing, statutory assessments and preparing clear, accessible planning advice
  • Experienced in liaising with council officers, consultants, and community stakeholders
  • Confident communicator across written and verbal formats, tailored to suit diverse audiences
  • Proven ability to lead projects, coordinate inputs, and keep teams aligned through each stage

Trusted Expertise in Planning and Development

At Accord Planning, we believe great planning is grounded in clarity, collaboration, and purpose. We exist to help clients navigate complex planning systems with confidence—offering trusted guidance from initial feasibility through to final approvals. Our team brings together deep knowledge of the Victorian Planning Scheme with practical experience across residential, commercial, and community projects. We work closely with councils, consultants, and communities to create outcomes that are smart, sustainable, and aligned. Whether you're planning a new development, managing an objection, or shaping public space, Accord is here to simplify the process and support your vision from start to finish.

AP
02
WHAT WE DO

Whether you're navigating planning policy, seeking permits, or managing objections, we’re here to guide the way—with insight, clarity, and results.

Planning Advice
Clear, tailored planning advice to help you understand what’s possible and how to get there. We’ll guide you through risks, opportunities and next steps with confidence.
planning advice
Due Diligence
Before you commit, we’ll assess the planning constraints, risks and opportunities of your site or proposal so you can move forward with confidence.
due diligence
Pre-Application Meetings with Council
We coordinate and attend pre-application meetings with Council to clarify requirements early and lay the groundwork for a smoother approval process.
pre application meetings
Strategic Planning
A meticulous review of your plans to ensure they meet planning scheme requirements and align with Council expectations before submission.
strategic planning
Planning Reports
We prepare clear, well-reasoned planning reports that communicate the merits of your proposal and support a positive outcome.
planning reports
Planning Permit Applications
We take the complexity out of planning permit applications, guiding you through the process with expert advice, clear communication, and ongoing support.
permit applications
Project Management
From consultants to Council, we manage the moving parts of your planning project to reduce stress and deliver smooth, timely outcomes.
project management
Get in touch

Project Experience

See below for a some recent examples of our project experience.
vineyards
Winery Precinct - Winery, Mannerim
Winery Precinct
2022–2025
A planning application was prepared to support the development of a new winery precinct, including a restaurant, cellar door, art gallery and production facility. Located on the Bellarine Peninsula, the project aims to create a distinctive tourism destination that celebrates local wine, food and culture.
Macedon Lodge
Macedon Lodge – Racehorse Training Facility, Mount Macedon
Macedon Lodge Pty Ltd
2023–2025
This $20 million racehorse training facility in the Macedon Ranges was progressed through detailed planning assessments and collaborative negotiations with Council. The application ensured a clear planning pathway for the delivery of a regionally significant development.
Armstrong Creek Community Centre and Library
Buchan Architects
2021–2022
Located within the Armstrong Creek Town Centre, this $21.8 million, three-storey facility includes multipurpose spaces, outdoor terraces, creative studios and a 30,000-title library collection. The project was designed to support a growing community, offering high-quality public infrastructure and inclusive community spaces.

Image credit: Buchan Architects
Barwon Health – Building Relocation Works
Barwon Health – Building Relocation Works
Barwon Health
2025
This project involved the relocation of existing buildings to support the major redevelopment of the Women’s and Children’s Wing at University Hospital, Geelong. Close coordination with Council was required to maintain project timelines and ensure seamless delivery of essential health infrastructure.
Cobden ODP
Multi-Lot Residential Development – Cobden
Undisclosed
2022–2025
A planning submission was made to Corangamite Shire to include a rural parcel within the revised settlement boundary and rezone it from Farming Zone to Neighbourhood Residential Zone. Following successful rezoning, a subdivision application was lodged for approximately 170 residential lots, supporting regional growth and local housing supply.
Ss Michael + John’s Primary School
Ss Michael + John’s Primary School – Extension Works
Morton + Co Architects
2025
A planning application was prepared for the expansion of Ss Michael + John’s Primary School in Horsham. The project supports increased student enrolments and delivers a clear community benefit through enhanced access to local education.
03
GET IN TOUCH

Start Your Planning Journey

Whether you're ready to begin or just have a few questions, we’re here to help. Fill out the form or reach out directly—we’ll get back to you promptly.
site logo
Based in Victoria
Servicing Geelong, Melbourne, Ballarat & Regional Victoria

"*" indicates required fields

Drop files here or
Max. file size: 32 MB.
    This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

    crossmenu