JLA NEWSLETTER - 2026
COMPLYING DEVELOPMENT CERITIFICATE
A Good Planning Option
The NSW Housing Code permits new dwellings to be constructed under a complying development certificate. This code can be applied throughout NSW. The purpose of this code is to FAST TRACK the planning approval process. This code does not require Council DA approval to determine its compliance with relevant planning legislation such as the DCP or LEP. The CDC process is a checklist of requirements that once satisfied is approved by Council or a PCA (Private Certifier).
CASE STUDY – LEICHHARDT HOUSE
Our project in Leichhardt was approved under the Complying Development Certificate. Our Leichhardt House is a good example of possibilities under CDC to achieve good design. The has been no compromise to meet the planning requirements under CDC.
The home has been thoughtfully designed to maximise light with a central courtyard and open plan living with a seamless connection to the rear outdoor alfreso, pool and cabana. The home consists of 4 bedrooms plus a study and for a family of 5 with a love for entertaining friends and family.
SEPP INTRODUCTION
Hunters Hill Locality and Selected Centres
The SEPP was introduced by the NSW government in 2021 but effective from 2024. The aim of the SEPP is to provide more density of development surrounding selected Town Centres and Transport hubs to address NSW affordability crisis.
This SEPP is applicable to Gladesville Town Centre and Boronia Park Town Centre. The properties impacted by this SEPP are as highlighted in the illustration figure above. This part of the SEPP includes Dual occupancies, semi-detached dwellings, multi dwelling and terrace style housing. Refer to NSW planning for more information.
SEPP – DUAL OCCUPANCY DEVELOPMENT
Under the SEPP changes, the min. site area for Dual Occupancy Development is 450sqm with a minimum lot width of 12m at the building line. All relevant DCP guidelines and LEP planning instruments remain and applied. The SEPP applies to sites within the heritage conservation area excluding heritage items. The objectives of the heritage conservation area must be maintained. Approval under the SEPP is assessed and determined by local Council.
JLA PROGRESS
2025Our Leichhardt House is nearing completion, showcasing the seamless collaboration between JLA, the client, and the builder. Together, we’ve worked meticulously to refine every detail, from construction intricacies to stormwater and hydraulic services, ensuring the perfect balance of functionality and aesthetics. The home designed to be enjoyed by the family and tight local community.
2026Our waterfront dual occupancy (duplex) is close to completion of the superstructure. One of the main considerations for this development has been the coordination of the accessibility requirements. For one of the dwellings, it has been designed to meet it’s accessible requirements with a motorised integrated hoist by Active Mobility Systems and platform lift.
2026This interior design project for a residence in Woolwich has been designed to be the perfect downsizer’s home. The proposed works include creating a more open plan living arrangement and also retrofitting a lift to all levels to allow the home to be enjoyed for many years to come. The contract administration process permits regular meetings between the architect, builder, and owner, giving the opportunity to address the various site issues and to ensure works are completed consistent with the agreed works.
2026Our project in Gladesville is soon to commence work with the appointment of our builder and contract signed. The proposed works include a contemporary 2-story addition to an existing Californian Bungalow. The design aims to create a comfortable family home for open plan living and to create an environment to be enjoyed for many years to come.
2025
Concord House
Our Concord home is nearing completion; the angular design home consists of two pavilions with a centrally located pool. The home unique features include the trapezoidal cantilevered step treads connected to the off-form concrete wall. The angular form of the dwelling is oriented due north to maximise solar access. We were very blessed to be given the opportunity by the owner to challenge our creativity.
2026
Tennyson Rd, Tennyson Point
This Tennyson Point home represents our desire explore design from both function and a sense of beauty in the form of architecture.The attention to detail regarding the preparation of the formwork at this Tennyson Point waterfront home is immaculate, for the proposed curved off form concrete roof and various curved elements throughout the residence.
2026Our Strathfield home is a reflection of the owners’ hard-working ethics, and they are in a position to enjoy having their dream home. The home has a number of unique features, such as the glass lift that carries over a double-story void with wrap-around cantilevered step treads overlooking a double-story void. The floating treads are seen from within the lift. The luxury home includes hydronic floor heating, glass lift, wine cellar, gym equipment, EV charging, solar panel system.
2026Work has commenced for our luxury home in Longueville. We look forward to working with the builder and his team in developing this architectural home for its owners.
This off-form concrete home includes a 15m lap pool infinity edge pool, with seamless outdoor living spaces. The home is designed to maximise solar access yet capture its panoramic views of the harbour.
JLA UPDATES
2026 Hunters Hill – IN CONSTRUCTION
LEC APPEAL | SECTION 34 | S34AA
Congratulations to our client for the approval of their waterfront home in Hunters Hill under the LEC NSW Appeal Process. The judgement granted Development Consent for a new 2 storey, 6-bedroom dwelling, 2 car garage and basement boat storage room.
The contentions raised in this appeal included; Character, Visual Impact, a Boatshed, Landscape area, Floor Space Ratio (FSR), Works below the Foreshore Building Line (FBL), Excavation, Impacts on Residential Amenity and Matters raised by objectors (neighbours). A joint report was prepared by both experts of each party to address the contentions for the commissioner.
StudioJLA provided supporting technical documentation such as Building Height Analysis, Storey Assessment and Excavation Analysis to accompany the report. The parties agreed there was an opportunity to resolve their differences with a set of minor revisions, that would satisfy both parties and retain the integrity of the design.
2026 Rose Bay DA APPROVED
StudioJLA have been working closely with their client on a luxury dual occupancy (duplex) development in Rose Bay. The two dwellings have been architecturally designed and well-appointed to appeal to downsizers or families seeking luxury yet low maintenance lifestyle. Each dwelling has been designed to challenge the perception of unit living with a spiral helical stair commonly associated with a much larger dwelling.
2026 Ryde – IN CONSTRUCTION
SECTION 8.3 REVIEW OF DETERMINATION
We are pleased to congratulate our client on their recent Dual Occupancy (duplex) DA approval.
By submitting amended plans and addressing the issues raised in the determination, StudioJLA successfully liaised with the City of Ryde Council to secure DA approval under the Section 8.3 review of determination.
The journey with the City of Ryde Council was challenging and we appreciate our client’s patience.
A new directive from the NSW State Government restricted the timeframe and revisions for DA submissions in the Council process, resulting in the initial refusal of the DA with limited time to respond.
With Studio JLA’s extensive planning experience and a thorough understanding that the issues could be resolved, we successfully lodged a review of the application under Section 8.3 (formerly Section 82A) with Ryde Council.
2025 Lilyfield
Our Lilyfield terrace provided us with the challenge to create a light-filled home within the confines of the urban context. StudioJLA’s vision was to create a sense of space throughout the terrace, via the use of voids and stunning vistas of the water features and up to the sky. We also wanted to give a connection to the home’s surroundings, yet draw attention away to the close proximity of their neighbours.
