02 9498 8811

Lane Cove Council

Lane Cove’s streetscapes, waterfront, bush reserve, and its village atmosphere endear a family vibe that is highly sought after. Its peninsulas are a feature that drives its popularity as a place to call home.

The council is highly protective of the area’s mature trees, waterways, and character, enforcing strict planning controls to ensure the area preserves its livability.

“Lane Cove Council residential planning guidelines aren’t constraints—they’re a brief to create homes in harmony with nature.”

Residential planning and zoning rules

The Lane Cove Council’s residential planning controls focus on ecological, urban forest preservation, and streetscape development.

Key regulations include:

  • Bushfire controls, including mandatory Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessments and material/fire compliance.
  • Sustainability compliance, including BASIX, NatHERS, and WSUD (Water Sensitive Urban Design).
  • Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs), prohibit the removal of trees over 3m without council approval.
  • Streetscape compatibility requirements, especially around building size, roof form, materials, and frontage.
  • Guidance for secondary dwellings, with discretionary approval now more accessible under updated zoning.

While complex on the surface, our experience and design expertise enable us to work with these planning controls. When approached correctly, the residential planning codes provide a clear framework for architects to pursue designs that enhance livability and add aesthetic value to the area. At Playoust Churcher Architects, we see regulations as a positive for your idea.

"In Lane Cove, sustainability isn’t a trend within residential planning, t’s embedded in every approval."

The positive and the challenges

Looking at the positives and challenges of the Lane Cove Council’s residential planning regulations.

The positives:

  • Sustainability is encouraged. Projects that exceed the minimum requirements are well placed for successful approval.
  • Flexibility for secondary dwellings.

People are drawn to the locale for its tree canopy and natural environment. The council is committed to protecting these natural assets. The enhanced flexibility for secondary dwellings is driving interest in the region.

The challenges:

  • Bushfire compliance may impact design, material choice, and layout.
  • Tree removal is tightly controlled, often requiring arborist reports and council consent.
  • Overdevelopment is resisted.

What does this all mean for land and homeowners?

Whether you’re planning a renovation, extension, or secondary dwelling, Lane Cove’s planning framework, when utilised skillfully, offers practical and creative opportunities.

  • Innovative bushfire-compliant architecture using steel, stone, and native plantings.
  • Architectural solutions for tricky sites, including split levels and tiered landscaping.
  • Creative secondary dwellings, such as detached studios, garage conversions, or compact two-storey pavilions, are ideal for extended families or investment.
  • Tree-integrated design that enhances the streetscape and garden functionality.
  • Environmental leadership, with homes designed to exceed energy and water efficiency benchmarks.

By partnering with the team at Playoust Churcher Architects, homeowners in the Lane Cove LGA can achieve compliance and a future-ready design without compromising lifestyle or aesthetics.

"We use trees as design inspiration, not obstacles."

Our architectural perspective

At Playoust Churcher Architects, our philosophy is to design with, not against, the landscape and local rules.

  • Recognising the valued bushland by employing passive solar design, cross-ventilation, and minimal disruption to the existing flora.
  • Designing with BAL compliance in mind, integrating setbacks, cladding, and glazing
  • Elevating spatial outcomes using raked ceilings, clerestory windows, and split-level layouts that adapt to topography.
  • Respecting trees and the urban forest, using mature landscaping as a design centrepiece.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Lane Cove’s residential planning controls considered strict?

Lane Cove Council enforces detailed residential planning guidelines to preserve its natural bushland, waterways, and mature tree canopy. These rules protect both the environment and the area’s distinctive suburban character.

What is required if my property is in a bushfire-prone area?

If your property is within a Bushfire Prone Land parcel (common in Lane Cove West, Northwood, Greenwich, and Riverview), a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment is mandatory. This can influence setbacks, building materials, and glazing specifications.

 

How does the Lane Cove Council approach environmental sustainability?

Lane Cove Council supports sustainable design through strict BASIX and NatHERS compliance. It also champions Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD), encouraging stormwater harvesting, permeable surfaces, and on-site detention systems (OSDs).

 

Can I remove a tree on my property?

Only with approval. Lane Cove’s Tree Preservation Order (TPO) applies to most trees over 3m in height. Removal typically requires an arborist report and council permission, highlighting the LGA’s commitment to protecting its urban forest.

Are secondary dwellings (like studios or granny flats) allowed?

Yes, but approval is discretionary and subject to zoning, lot size, and setbacks. Intelligent architectural solutions—like detached studios or compact two-storey pavilions—can help achieve approval while preserving streetscape integrity.

Takeaways

Natural preservation is central: Trees, waterways, and bushland are protected by law.

Bushfire risk is critical for many areas, requiring BAL assessments and design modifications.

Sustainability is a must: Expect to comply with (and ideally exceed) BASIX, NatHERS, and WSUD standards.

Streetscape compatibility is strictly enforced, even without widespread heritage zoning.

Secondary dwellings are more accessible under updated zoning laws, but are subject to design quality and context.

Architectural experience matters: Navigating these rules requires creativity and council familiarity.

Recent projects

Freshwater

Concept: Creating a light, airy, character-filled three-level Hampton-style beach home on a small corner site

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Killara Heritage

Concept: Adapting a beautiful family heritage home in a quiet street on a large site to suit the family’s lifestyle

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East Lindfield

Concept: Designing a new family home that maximises the views and introduces a sense of open space

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Lindfield Heritage Home

Concept: A complex yet successful renovation of this stunning heritage home in a conservation area

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Castlecrag

Concept: A 1970s build transformed into a bright, open design maximising stunning harbour views

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Chilton Parade, Warrawee

Concept: A complete rebuild of half the property over two levels, whilst also incorporating the property next door

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Palm Beach Renovation

Concept: A majestic holiday home that pushes the design envelop, blending sustainable materials and natural light

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Arnold Street Killara

Concept: A major ground floor renovation of a large estate with a new three-car garage and 14 metre pool

Learn More

Have questions? Chat
with our team today.

02 9498 8811

11 Marian Street
Killara NSW 2071
Australia

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    We live and work on the lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. We acknowledge their traditional custodianship of the land and pay respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.