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Town Planner Eastern Suburbs

Planning expertise across Waverley, Woollahra and Randwick council areas

High-value properties. High-stakes planning decisions.

Sydney's Eastern Suburbs are home to some of the city's most valuable properties — and some of its most complex planning environments. Three councils, multiple LEPs, extensive heritage conservation areas, coastal controls, and some of the most engaged community objectors in the city.

For property owners and developers working in this environment, the quality of planning advice matters enormously. A well-positioned DA moves efficiently. A poorly prepared one invites objections, requests for information, and delays that compound quickly when you're working with high-value real estate.

Three councils, three LEPs — The Eastern Suburbs spans Waverley (Bondi, Bronte, Clovelly), Woollahra (Paddington, Double Bay, Edgecliff) and Randwick (Coogee, Randwick, Maroubra, Kensington). We work across all three and understand the differences in how each council assesses development proposals.

Suburbs we cover

Bondi Bondi Beach Paddington Woollahra Randwick Waverley Coogee Bronte Clovelly Double Bay Edgecliff Maroubra Kensington Queens Park Rose Bay

What we work on in the Eastern Suburbs

Eastern Suburbs planning work ranges from heritage terrace extensions in Paddington to coastal development near Bondi, and from residential subdivision in Randwick to commercial change of use on Oxford Street. Our engagements here typically include:

  • Heritage assessments and Statements of Heritage Impact — particularly in Paddington and inner Woollahra
  • Rear extensions, upper storey additions and renovations to Federation and Victorian-era homes
  • Multi-dwelling housing and residential flat building applications in medium and high density zones
  • Pre-DA meetings with Waverley, Woollahra and Randwick councils
  • Pre-purchase planning assessments — knowing what a property can achieve before you commit
  • Change of use applications for Double Bay, Bondi Beach and Oxford Street tenancies
  • Strata remedial works and common property upgrades in older flat buildings
  • Planning objections and third-party submissions on notified DAs
  • Clause 4.6 variations to development standards where strict compliance isn't warranted

Heritage in the Eastern Suburbs

Paddington, Woollahra and parts of Bondi and Waverley contain some of Sydney's most intact Victorian and Federation streetscapes. Heritage conservation area controls here are taken seriously — by councils, by neighbours, and by the Land and Environment Court when matters are contested.

We prepare Statements of Heritage Impact, advise on design approaches that work within heritage frameworks, and where appropriate engage with council's heritage advisors before lodgement. The goal is a well-positioned application that doesn't invite unnecessary scrutiny.

Our services for Eastern Suburbs clients

Residential Development Extensions, additions, dual occupancy and apartment DAs
Legal & Advisory Support LEC representation, Clause 4.6 variations, merits advice
Strata Remedial Works Common property and building fabric upgrades
Commercial Fitout & Use Approvals Bondi Beach, Double Bay and Oxford Street tenancies
Community Engagement Proactive neighbour consultation in active communities
Sustainable Advisory BASIX, NatHERS and sustainability planning support

The right advice, before it costs you

In the Eastern Suburbs, the cost of a planning mistake is proportionate to the value of the asset. A refused DA, a contested application, or a six-month delay on a property purchase because of an unresolved planning issue — these are real and common outcomes for people who didn't ask the right questions early.

We give you that early read. Quickly, clearly, and without the consultant-speak. Whether you're buying, renovating, developing or resolving a dispute, we'll tell you exactly where you stand.