James Colman Urbanist
Consulting in Urban, Environmental and Land Use Planning.
CONSULTING SERVICES
Your street, your neighbourhood, your town, your city, your environment and your heritage.
Urban Design
Assessing existing and proposed local neighbourhood urban spaces and preparing concepts for their improvement.
Expert Advice
Plain English expert advice for home and property owners proposing a development or who could be adversely affected by one. Also advice to community groups.
Writing and Editing
Writing and editing services - from formal correspondence to report writing, editing and proofing. No jargon, just simple clear English.
Statements of Environmental Effects
Preparation and assessment of 'Statements of Environmental Effect' for small-scale development proposals to satisfy local council requirements.
Strategic and Statutory Planning
Strategic planning and formulation of (non-statutory) planning statements for small non-metropolitan councils and their staff.
Heritage Advice
General advice about the NSW heritage law and how it may affect you, and referral to the appropriate heritage experts for detailed or legally-complex help.
My small urban, environmental and land use planning consultancy is based in Sydney.
I am a graduate architect, town planner and urban designer whose skills include the preparation of local environmental plans and strategies, conceptual urban design schemes, and the development of policy advice on urban issues. I have a special interest in local government planning, including the conservation of local heritage items and the natural environment.
Over many years - in parallel with my consultancy work - I have taught at seven east-coast universities and have undertaken several major research projects. I also have an extensive record as a freelance journalist and published author.
Why James Colman Consulting?
Overall, my aim is to provide my clients with quality advice, based on mutual trust and an ethical approach to problem-solving - leading to optimum results within the prevailing statutory framework.
I offer the fruits of long experience in my fields of expertise. I know how to work with business, with officialdom and the community. I have worked in all Australian states, and in numerous overseas countries including New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Malaysia.
I am particularly interested in working with the NGO sector as a legitimate stakeholder and contributor in environmental decision-making.
Selected Projects
Environmental Impact Studies and Plans
Temora, Gundagai and Coolamon, NSW
Client: Temora, Gundagai and Coolamon Shires
Preparation of local plans, studies, and strategies for these local authorities in rural NSW.
Plan of Management
Botany Bay, South Sydney
Client: Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils
Two-year project preparing a comprehensive management policy comprising a framework for the integrated planning of the Botany Bay catchment - Sydney's major mercantile port.
Expert Advice
East Lake Scenic Area, Wuhan China
Client: Wuhan Planning and Design Institute
Member of an international team advising on development strategies and sustainability concepts for the city’s three famous lakes.
