Development in Low/Medium Density Residential (LMR)
Low and medium density residential development - dual occupancies, manor houses, terraces, townhouses and multi-dwelling housing - sits in the most contested part of the NSW planning framework. Permissibility, minimum lot size, height, floor space ratio and the design criteria all interact, and small differences in lot dimensions change what is achievable. Feasibility before design is where the money is saved.
Free consultation
- CDC 3–4 weeks where eligible · DA 8–14 weeks
- From $5,500 + GST for a planning package
- Quoted fixed after a free scope check
What LMR covers
Dual occupancies (attached and detached), manor houses, terraces, townhouses and other multi-dwelling housing, and residential flat buildings at the smaller end.
Feasibility before design, always
The design criteria are where CDC applications fail
Where complying development is available for low-rise housing, eligibility depends on satisfying a detailed set of design criteria in full - solar access to living areas and private open space, minimum private open space dimensions, articulation, landscaped area, and building separation. They are achievable, but only if designed for from the start.
How it works
Yield feasibility
3–5 days
Permissibility, minimum lot size, height and FSR envelope, and the achievable dwelling count.
Pathway assessment
2–3 days
Whether complying development is available or a DA is required.
Documentation
3–5 weeks
Planning report, design criteria compliance schedule and coordinated specialist reports.
Lodgement
8–14 weeks
Managed through determination.
What we take off your hands
What EHUP handles
- Yield and feasibility assessment against the LEP, DCP and applicable design criteria
- Confirming whether the complying development pathway is available
- Planning report and design criteria compliance schedule
- Coordinating the report stack - survey, stormwater, arborist, waste
- Lodgement and council liaison
What you don't have to deal with
- Designing to a yield the controls will not support
- Buying a lot on the assumption a duplex is achievable
Frequently asked questions
Is a dual occupancy permitted on my lot?
It depends on the zone, the minimum lot size for dual occupancy in your council LEP, and the lot dimensions - frontage matters as much as area in many councils. Two lots of identical area can have different answers. This is a same-day check and it is worth doing before purchase.
What is the difference between a manor house and a dual occupancy?
A dual occupancy is two dwellings on one lot. A manor house is a specific low-rise housing type of four dwellings in a two-storey building, introduced to allow gentle density in medium density zones. They have different permissibility, different lot requirements and different design criteria.
Can these be approved as complying development?
In some cases and in some zones, subject to satisfying the applicable design criteria in full - which are detailed and cover matters like solar access, private open space, articulation and landscaped area. Where the design cannot meet every criterion, a DA is required.
Can I subdivide afterwards?
Subdivision of an approved dual occupancy is possible in some councils and prohibited in others, and where permitted it is a separate application. Whether it is available materially affects the economics, so establish it during feasibility rather than after construction.
Related services
Development Application (DA)
A Development Application is the merit-assessed approval pathway.
Complying Development (CDC)
A Complying Development Certificate is the fast-track approval pathway.
Residential Council Approval
Most residential developments do not need a full Development Application.
Why clients choose EHUP
- 10+
- 250+
- 14
- 1
Not sure which approval you need?
Tell us the address and what you want to do. We'll help identify the appropriate planning pathway, whether it is exempt development, complying development or a full DA. Your first conversation is free.