PLANNING STRATEGIES
COMPLYING DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATE
CDC VS DA Applications.
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.
There has been no compromise to meet the planning requirements under CDC and based on our CDC/DA evaluation process was the best option moving forward.
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 – LOW MID-RISE HOUSING POLICY
A Broader Diversity of Housing Options
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.
Lots located within the SEPP map and within the Heritage conservation area require a DA application to Hunters Hill Council and be consistent with relevant planning controls such as the DCP and Heritage conservation requirements. Assessment and DA determination of this application is by Council.
Dual Occupancy – Low Med-Rise Housing Policy
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.
CONSULTANCY SERVICES
2025
Edith St, Leichhardt
Our 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.
PLANNING STRATEGIES
Various planning strategies were tested, including determining that the CDC would be a more effective process from a risk and yield perspective due to the site’s orientation and topography.
2026
Beach St, Tennyson Point
Our 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.
FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
The feasibility process considered the client’s long-term objectives, hence a decision for each side to vary the internal layout to suit their personal needs, yet meet the market demand.
2026
2026
Tyrell St, Gladesville
Our project in Gladesville is well into construction with concrete slab and timber framing in progress. 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.
REAL TIME BUDGET & COST CONTROL SYSTEMS
The project has been developed under our internal cost control systems. Each element, fitting, and fixture is evaluated relative to budget, and each cost is assessed in real time to allow clients to make the best decisions for their project in terms of design relative to costs.
2026
Hunters Hill House
We recently visited one of our projects in Hunters Hill, the home has been masterfully crafted with stunning interiors. The garden designed by Spiritlevel sets the home apart. The homeowner, who is an interior designer, has created a beautiful interior space with exquisite choice of furnishings and fixtures with a clear design vision for this space that captures the light and flow of architectural designed spaces.
EXTERNAL ELEMENTS & COORDINATION
With many consultants, experts, and suppliers as part of the development journey for an architectural home. The design integration of each of these elements into a seamless design involves a high level of experience, product knowledge, and expertise.
2026
Tennyson Point House
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.
SITE LOGISTICS & DESIGN EVALUATION
Limited access and site constraints are a common issue as we are in the mature phase of development within the Sydney Metropolitan area. Therefore, each design component and use of materials requires careful evaluation to manage potential costs to the project.
2026
Chalmers Rd, Strathfield
Our 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.
IMPORTED FINISHES & FIXTURES & PRODUCTS
We are now collaboration with external partners to bring high quality architectural products exclusive to our projects at a substantial cost benefit to our clients. 
2026
Arabella St, Longueville
Work 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.
FULLY INTEGRATED SERVICES & SITE COORDINATION
This project’s exterior finish requires a high level of coordination and complex understanding of core services integration due to the tight structural and planning constraints of the design. We have worked closely with consultants to assess the most appropriate solutions consistent with the design intent for execution.
2026
Joly Parade, Hunters Hill
Work is progressing very well at our home located opposite Tarban Creek overlooking the popular Riverglade Reserve.
Our objective has been to provide a comfortable family home that connects to its surroundings, and yet a home for both young adults to enjoy their passion for music and dance.
SMART HOME AUTOMATION & HOME SECURITY INTEGRATION
With technology as part of everyday life, we embrace technology as a part of everyday living and consider it critical to our projects. We work with suppliers to develop appropriate smart and security systems. Our approach is to develop home smart systems that are seamless to the architectural design.
DCP / LEP PLANNING NEWS
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 DA APPROVED
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.
