Free feasibility by registered planner!Dual Occupancy,Townhouses,Property Subdivisions Medical centre,Childcare,Commercial.
Swarup Dutta - Property developer and Property subdivision specialist.
Hello, I’m Swarup Dutta—an urban planner, but at heart, always a designer of creative homes and unique spaces.
I’ve had the privilege of working across India, Singapore, Sydney, and now Melbourne—my forever home. Over the years, I’ve been involved in the design and project management of projects ranging from hotels, hospitals, and university campuses to industrial business parks, apartments, terrace houses, and private homes.
Lately, I’ve noticed many new faces here, and I wanted to take a moment to reintroduce myself. It’s a pleasure to have you here, sharing in this journey of thoughtful design, smart planning, and making the most of the land we live on.
In 2015, I pursued a long-held dream—stepping away from the fast-paced world of high-volume property subdivisions to focus on a more personalized approach to town planning and design. My passion lies in helping first-time developers and experienced property owners navigate planning approvals, subdivisions, and design solutions with confidence.
Beyond my work, I have a deep love for edible gardening, technology, music, travel, food, antiques, soccer, and cricket—all of which inspire my approach to creating spaces that allow life and community to flourish. That passion led me to rebrand my website as Swarup Dutta—a place where design meets connection, and where friendships grow alongside great ideas.
My Own Property Journey
Before helping others develop their properties, I walked the path myself. I know firsthand the frustrations of planning delays and the excitement of bringing a vision to life.
My journey began with my first home—a dual occupancy subdivision in a sought-after area. The project faced strong resistance from neighbors and the local council, reflecting the classic "not in my backyard" opposition. Ironically, my neighbors lived in grand Victorian mansions with pools, tennis courts, and even a private cricket pitch!
That experience led me to my next home near top-tier schools, built on land that was later rezoned for apartment-style development.
One of my most ambitious projects follows below.
These experiences gave me real, hands-on knowledge of the property development process—from rezoning and planning approvals to design, documentation, and construction.
How I Can Help You
Through my rebranded website, work, and personal insights, I share these lessons so that you too can pursue your property dreams with confidence. I’m here to simplify the complexities of development, planning, and design—because I believe that great spaces aren’t just built, they’re thoughtfully created.
Welcome to the journey. Let’s make something incredible together!
Why Work With Swarup?
Swarup Dutta is a Registered Planner, and an Associate of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects. He is also a proud Member of the Planning Institute of Australia and the Victorian Planning and Environmental Law Association. He is not a Registered architect; although he engages external Professionals' to complete his projects when and if required.
This unique blend of qualifications and hands-on experience gives Swarup a significant edge over competitors who may focus solely on drafting, design, or planning. By managing both design and town planning in-house, he delivers unparalleled efficiencies and advantages for your project.
As a specialist in residential development, Swarup has personally managed over 250 planning permits across Victoria, covering property subdivisions, residential, and commercial developments.
Working closely with real estate developers and architects, he has built a strong reputation for expertise, reliability, and results-driven strategies.
Victorian Councils demand a deep understanding of their planning policies, and Swarup excels at navigating these complexities. He crafts compelling town planning reports designed to secure Council support and personally oversees every application—from site potential assessments to permit-winning designs, documentation, and Council negotiations.
Swarup utilises cutting-edge Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology to enhance project outcomes.
With Swarup’s expertise, your development is in capable hands.
Swarup our Founder owner built his waterfront beach house!
A Story of Determination, Expertise, and Resilience.
Transforming the Impossible into Reality: The Story of a 3,000 sqm Waterfront Development.
For over 20 years, a picturesque yet challenging 3,000 sqm sloping block remained undeveloped. Bordered by a creek leading to the beach, the land was repeatedly rejected for development by the local Council, which deemed it unstable and unsafe for construction.
When Swarup acquired the property, he did so with full awareness of the risks. At a pre-application meeting, Council officials dismissively suggested he “pitch a tent”, insisting that no approval would ever be granted.
But Swarup saw potential where others saw obstacles.
Over the next two years, he pursued a relentless strategy of meticulous planning, expert negotiations, and innovative engineering solutions. The land was ultimately rezoned, and he went on to design and owner-build a beachfront home that stood the test of time.
Given the site’s complexities, the project required groundbreaking engineering, including:
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Dewatering systems to manage underground aquifers
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6-metre deep raked screw pile foundations for enhanced stability
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A structural system allowing adjustments in response to land movement.
Swarup’s tenacity and problem-solving paid off—not only was the home successfully built, but soon after, adjoining landowners followed suit, developing their own properties.
Ironically, the once “unbuildable” house still stands strong today. In 2023, the next owner renovated the home and sold it for $5.72 million.
This experience embodies a recurring theme in Swarup’s career: where others see obstacles, he sees opportunities to innovate and deliver results.
Persistence Against All Odds
In one notable town planning application, Swarup faced 82 objectors and a Council that refused the proposal. He took the case to VCAT, where he argued against one of the state’s top planning lawyers. After four demanding days, he won the permit.
In another case, Swarup’s own dual-occupancy project faced fierce opposition from wealthy neighbors and a resistant planning officer. Undeterred, Swarup presented his case directly to the full panel of Councillors, who overruled the officer’s recommendation and approved his application.
A Legacy of Excellence
Swarup’s journey exemplifies determination, strategic thinking, and technical expertise.
His ability to navigate complex bureaucratic and technical challenges demonstrates the value of persistence, preparation, and creativity in property development.
For Swarup, every project—whether for himself or his clients—is an opportunity to push boundaries, solve problems, and achieve ambitious goals.
Frank and Fearless Advice on Design, Town Planning and Property Subdivisions
Swarup's Mission:
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Maximising Development Potential
Leveraging expert town planning knowledge to optimise yield performance for developers.
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Designing for Well-Being
Crafting spaces that enhance comfort and livability, with a focus on natural light, ventilation, and acoustic privacy—the foundations of wellness design.
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Seamless Integration
Bridging design, town planning, feasibility, and construction to create holistic, buildable solutions.
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Complimentary Site Potential Assessment
Unlock the full potential of your property. Request your free development advice today!
Property Subdivision requires excellent planning knowledge and creative design skills. He managed hundreds of planning approvals.Free site assessment.
Property Subdivision:Frank and Fearless advice by founder.He interacted with all Councils & use his expert knowledge to analyse your land to provide frank and fearless advice on it's development potential
Property Subdivision: Our Founder excels in property subdivision, town planning strategies + clever design. He provides frank and fearless advice from experience.
Swarup developed property & managed 250+ planning permits for property subdivision, dual occ & unit sites in Victoria.
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Our Journey with Mr Swarup Dutta began upon receiving a letter from the planning minister stating that the environs overlay prohibiting development over our property was going to be lifted. Our excitement could not be contained at this news. This meant our late father's wish of having my brother and myself develop and live on the land adjoining my mother's house , could now be fulfilled. After extensive research about firms which offer subdivision and planning services, I found that he stood out amongst the crowd. The firm's track record is impressive. I made the call to Mr Dutta and in retrospect what a great decision that was. Mr Dutta was extremely accommodating and was excited to take on the job despite the substantial obstacles which had to be overcome on the road to gaining council approval. He got to work right away and worked tirelessly to gain council approval. His dedication is unprecedented . One particular example which stands out is a time in which he forwarded an important planning response,which he had waited up for until the early hours of the morning, as soon as he received it. He was able to optimise the cramped site to accommodate semi basement living in a very contemporary design. This was an amazing achievement in a neighbourhood consisting predominantly of 70's style single story dwellings. On a personal level Swarup cares, he understands the stress on the developer in this process and takes the time to check up on the client and offer support. He is extremely accommodating and always responds to queries in a timely manner. Swarup, we can't thank you enough.Our common interests have reinforced our friendship and we hope to be life long friends. You were always there through the trials and tribulations and always the consummate professional.- DA
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We will have three houses on our block all with spectacular views of the bay. The service given by Swarup has been faultless with both process and the design of both houses.Swarup after many briefings created a spectacular home to be sited at the front of our existing home. We received objections and a hearing was called by our council City of Greater Geelong. Swarup attended the hearing and not only overcame the objections he was complimented by the panel on creating an iconic design. This project was approved and will be completed in 2016. The second design was even more challenging as the remaining triangular block was 280 sq meters. Swarup created a two storey two bedroom unit with views across the bay to Melbourne. The council approved the design however following a panel meeting withdrew support. Swarup immediately recommended that we go to VCAT and with the assistance from his suggested legal team our submission was upheld by VCAT who complimented the design. We are absolutely delighted with the dealings over three years and are happy for any of his clients to contact us for a reference which will be fantastic.. E and J Rae
Are you thinking of developing your land?
Do you need some high level advice on what you can build on it?
Contact us for a Free! no obligation opinion from Swarup.
Swarup's Mission:
-
Maximizing Development Potential
Leveraging expert town planning knowledge to optimize yield performance for developers.
-
Designing for Well-Being
Crafting spaces that enhance comfort and livability, with a focus on natural light, ventilation, and acoustic privacy—the foundations of wellness design.
-
Seamless Integration
Bridging design, town planning, feasibility, and construction to create holistic, buildable solutions.
-
Complimentary Site Potential Assessment
Unlock the full potential of your property. Request your free development advice today!
DESIGN
Swarup specialises in maximizing yield performance for property developers, balancing the needs of occupants with innovative design solutions.
Our Approach:
We excel in designing and documenting permit-winning developments that prioritize both functionality and resident well-being.
Our designs elevate spatial experiences and resident comfort through passive design principles, ample daylighting, ventilation, and acoustic privacy, resulting in wellness architecture.
Site-Specific Solutions:
Recognizing the uniqueness of each site, we navigate zoning intricacies, planning overlays, orientation, topography, vegetation, streetscape, and service locations. Our approach involves exploiting latent opportunities to maximize yield while addressing constraints.
Swarup's Expertise:
Swarup has designed projects ranging from dual occupancy to industrial parks and high-rise developments.
His education in architecture, coupled with experience working on projects with a Master Architect overseas and designing luxury hotels and innovative homes, has shaped his versatile design principles.
Experience Across Australia:
Swarup's consultancy in India, Singapore, Sydney and now Melbourne includes over 250 residential developments, government and private schools, health, and retail facilities.
Noteworthy projects include waterfront developments in Sydney's Point Piper and Vaucluse, as well as dual occupancy and townhouse projects across Melbourne suburbs like Gisborne, Malvern, Keilor, Balwyn, Kew, and Glenroy.
Green Design Commitment:
We are advocates of green design, emphasizing respect for planning policies, material use, space value, and the benefits of vegetation.
Our commitment extends to both passive and active energy systems, incorporating intelligent design, solar orientation, shading, day lighting, window layers, sensors, and evolving technologies like photovoltaics.
Sustainability in Practice:
Our foundation lies in the use of renewable resources, building lightly on sensitive environments, minimizing material usage, and optimizing volume and space. This commitment is supported by the latest Building Information Modeling technology.
🌐 Discover Our Designs: Explore Our Portfolio
PLANNING PERMIT WINNING PLANS AND DESIGNS FOR A TOWNHOUSE DEVELOPMENT and 3 LOT SUBDIVSION
Town Planning
Maximising yield is often "controlled" by the provisions of the Victorian Planning Scheme.
Each Council and Shire have their own planning policies which determine the type, size and land use each site offers.
Having a clear understanding of these policies and being able to negotiate outcomes for developers either at Council or at the VCAT is where my strengths lie.
I encourage you to benefit from that real hands on experience where I negotiated approvals from various stake holders including Councils, the CFA, Melbourne Water and others.
I am a Registered Planner and write planning reports for Architects and developers as well as my clients.
I have written over 250+ planning reports while managing hundreds of town planning projects.
COMPELLING PERMIT WINNING PLANNING REPORTS FOR 5 LOT SUBDIVISION
Feasibility
Having developed my own properties gave me a clear understanding of the importance of development feasibility.
Our reports can be as basic or as comprehensive as you require.
We can provided detailed Construction Cost plan and Feasibility Report. Contact us for yours.
An example of a feasibility report for a 14 unit development is shown. It pops open.
See other examples and the list of items you should include in your feasibility report for a property subdivision. Lean more
Construction and Building Permit
Designs which can be built is what we believe in.
From the small details to the big picture.
We have had the privilege of working with builders who like us have decades of experience. They are keen to price your project.
While I have worked on large construction projects- ranging from 2000 to 10,000 sqm in size, I equally enjoyed smaller residential projects which I found to be more challenging!
I developed my own dual occupancy project long before most others in the business. The planning approval and construction was as challenging then as they can be today with councils and neighbours putting up strong resistance.
I owner built my own cliff edge home where screw in foundations went 6 metre below ground and the site drainage was equally challenging.
We can provide a comprehensive suite of documents for your Building Permit and Builder to price.
See an example of our Working drawings for a dual occupancy subdivision. Learn more.
Swarup consulted to the principal Architect as managed the project during construction
A luxury duplex each containing 4 bedrooms with basement parking
The corner block by the sea presented a superb opportunity for two separate dwellings with no common walls.
The early learning facility for 100 children has parking in a semi basement while the upper level is accessed via a gentle ramp. The design will be easily recognised by the occupants with its colourful built forms and barn windows.
A hilly paddock outside Melbourne is designed into a large house and land type subdivision.
Swarup worked on this 28 unit project from design to completion. The heritage facade was retained and the project developed around a 2 meter diameter water supply pipe whose exact location was unknown! Piling was a challenge. The tilt up slabs were cast on site
Our Founder managed the design process while consulting to lead architects.
Founder's first dual occ project on land surrounded by Heritage mansion, tennis courts and pools- objections and council resistance overcome!
Secure dual occupancy home in backyard for client travelling most of the time!
An apartment design for a small site under 700sqm
We secured secondary consent from Council and completed working drawings for the multi unit development
Turning an old cottage into a 6 bedroom luxury living for discerning clients was a joy! The project is almost complete- the clients have moved in but waiting for the pool to be finished. Click for video.
Dual occ or dual income project on 298sqm lot with 7 m frontage
A 28 unit industrial business park had to retain the existing facade. Swarup designed and managed the entire project from the first day to individual occupants interior works.
Which areas do we work in?
Swarup Dutta has worked on properties right across Greater Melbourne and some surrounding areas for dual occupancy and multi unit subdivisions.
He has successfully managed planning applications for developers and architects from Councils spread between Mornington and Dandenong right across to Geelong and surrounds, Macedon Ranges Shire Council suburbs, Frankston to Epping, Malvern to Eltham, Box Hill to Knox City council suburbs and the list goes on.
He has interacted with most Councils including:
Banyule Council, Bayside City Council, Boroondara City Council, Brimbank City Council, Cardinya Shire Council, Casey City Council, Darebin City Council, Frankston City Council, Glen Eira City Council, Greater Dandenong City Council, Hobsons Bay City Council, Hume Council, Kingston City Council, Knox City Council, Manningham City Council, Maribyrnong City Council, Maroondah City Council, Melton Sire Council, Monash City Council, Moonee Valley City Council, Moreland City Council, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, Nillumbik Shire Council, Port Phillip City Council, Stonnington City Council, Whitehorse City Council, Whittlesea City Council, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Geelong City Council, Surf Coast Council, Yarra Ranges Council, City Of Ballarat and others.
So which Councils are pro development and friendlier than others? That is the question most new developers ask! Feel free to ask us if you are thinking of developing.
If you are thinking of developing your land in areas governed by the councils named above or wish to ascertain how your planning application will go in these areas contact us for a Complimentary property assessment or call him on 0448 170 132 - 7 days before 7pm.