DA Approval for New Driveway & On-Site Parking – Maroubra NSW

Project Overview

This case study documents the planning assessment and approval of a Development Application (DA) lodged with Randwick City Council for a residential property in Maroubra. The proposal sought consent for a new vehicular crossover, secure on-site parking space, associated tree removal, and remedial works to an existing outbuilding on a small, irregular allotment.

Site & Planning Context

The subject site is located within an established low-density residential area characterised by narrow lots, limited street frontage, and development patterns predating contemporary planning controls. The property had no existing off-street parking and relied entirely on on-street parking within a highly constrained local road network.

The site is zoned R2 Low Density Residential and is subject to the provisions of:

• Randwick Local Environmental Plan 2012

• Randwick Development Control Plan

Due to the site’s size, geometry, and historical development pattern, full numerical compliance with certain development controls was not achievable. Accordingly, the application was assessed on planning merit, with emphasis placed on zone objectives, amenity outcomes, and functional improvement.

Development Proposal

The approved DA included the following key components:

• Construction of a new vehicular crossover to council standards

• Creation of one secure, on-site hardstand parking space

• Replacement of the existing front boundary wall and gate with a new boundary structure incorporating a roller door

• Removal of one street tree, subject to separate council approval, to facilitate safe vehicle access

• Remedial works to an existing outbuilding, including roof replacement and waterproofing upgrades

• Internal structural works required to resolve persistent water ingress

The proposal did not increase the use intensity of the site and did not introduce any additional habitable floor space.

Planning Assessment Strategy

The planning strategy focused on demonstrating that the proposal:

• Addressed an existing amenity deficiency by providing on-site parking

• Reduced reliance on on-street parking in a high-demand area

• Maintained acceptable streetscape character

• Did not result in unreasonable impacts relating to privacy, overshadowing, or visual bulk

Where variations to prescriptive controls were identified, these were justified on the basis that:

• The non-compliances were largely pre-existing

• The proposal did not exacerbate existing conditions

• The development was consistent with the objectives of the relevant planning controls

A detailed Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) was prepared to support the application, responding systematically to both LEP and DCP provisions.

Council Determination

Following assessment, Randwick City Council granted development consent, acknowledging:

• The constrained nature of the site

• The merit-based justification provided for minor variations

• The absence of adverse amenity or environmental impacts

• The overall improvement in site functionality and safety

The approval confirms that small-scale residential DAs within established urban areas can be successfully resolved through clear planning logic and targeted documentation.

Outcome & Key Learnings

The approved development delivers:

• Secure, compliant on-site parking

• Improved residential amenity

• Long-term resolution of building defects

• A net improvement to the public domain and streetscape function

This case study highlights the importance of planning-led architectural design, particularly for small or irregular sites within the Randwick LGA.

Project Expertise

Randwick Council Development Applications

• DA approvals for new driveways and parking spaces

• Tree removal associated with development approvals

• Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) preparation

• Merit-based planning assessment for constrained residential sites