What Developers Can Learn from the Evolv Warehouse Approval Process
Not every challenging development site is an unviable site.
Some of the most rewarding projects are those that initially appear difficult to deliver due to planning constraints, infrastructure limitations or approval risks. The key is understanding those risks early and developing a strategy to address them.
The recently approved Evolv Warehouse industrial development in Brendale is a strong example of how a coordinated approach to planning, legal and development management can unlock opportunities that may otherwise be considered too difficult to pursue. The project ultimately secured Development Approval through the Planning and Environment Court and has since progressed into construction.
The Challenge
From the outset, the site presented several significant challenges.
These included:
- Flood constraints
- No existing power infrastructure
- No existing water or sewer infrastructure
- Multiple authority stakeholders
- Public notification requirements
- Third-party submissions
In addition, the proposal was considered a non-compliant planning outcome under the applicable planning framework, creating a substantial approval risk for the development.
For many developers, challenges like these can severely impact project feasibility and lead to opportunities being overlooked.
Developing the Right Strategy Early
For the Evolv Warehouse project, the development team recognised early that the approval pathway could be complex.
Rather than waiting for planning challenges to emerge during assessment, planning, legal and development management expertise were integrated from the outset.
This proactive approach enabled the project team to consider planning, legal and commercial factors together, while also preparing for the possibility that a Planning and Environment Court pathway may ultimately be required.
Early alignment creates better decision-making and allows developers to make informed choices about risk, timing and investment.
The Value of Collaboration
Complex developments rarely succeed through a single discipline.
This project required ongoing collaboration between consultants, legal advisors, authorities and stakeholders to identify practical solutions while maintaining commercial viability.
Maintaining constructive engagement throughout the approval process helped move the project forward despite a challenging approval environment.
For developers, this highlights the importance of building the right project team early and ensuring all parties are working toward a common outcome.
Key Lessons for Developers
Before deciding that a site is too difficult to develop, consider the following:
1. Identify Approval Risks Early
2. Explore All Potential Approval Pathways
A challenging assessment process does not necessarily mean approval is impossible.
3. Integrate Experts Early
4. Focus on Solutions, Not Constraints
5. Maintain Alignment Across the Project Team
Read the Full Case Study
The Evolv Warehouse project demonstrates that even highly constrained sites may present viable development opportunities when risks are managed strategically.
Read the full article published by McInnes Wilson:
👉 Planning and Environment Court Approval for a Challenging Industrial Site
How EVERETT Can Help
EVERETT works with developers, landowners and investors to identify project risks early and create practical pathways through complex approval environments.
Learn more about:
- Development Management
- Development Feasibility
- Due Diligence
- Development Strategy
- Development Approvals
