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Hunters Hill Council

Hunters Hill is one of Sydney’s oldest municipalities. The residential environment is a mix of heritage sandstone cottages, waterfront homes, and significant garden estates. Hunters Hill Council’s residential planning codes are protective, and the council is committed to preserving the area’s architectural character and streetscapes.

While the Hunters Hill residential planning rules can be intricate, they offer an opportunity to design meaningfully, to create a home that reflects your lifestyle and contributes to the area’s historical significance.

“We don’t see heritage as a constraint—but as a creative stimulant.”

Residential planning and zoning rules

Hunters Hill Council’s residential planning controls are among the strictest in NSW, designed to preserve the LGA’s unique architectural and natural environment. Homeowners and developers must consider:

  • Widespread Heritage Conservation Area (HCA) designations and individual property listings.
  • Preservation of original features: sandstone walls, slate/tile roofing, timber details, ironwork, and verandahs.
  • Sympathetic new additions: Must be subordinate, typically to the side or rear, and match in scale and form.
  • Foreshore Scenic Protection Areas: Govern setbacks, view-sharing, height limits, and landscaping near the water.
  • Garden suburb rules: Require deep soil zones, landscaped areas, and protection of significant/mature trees.
  • Low-density zoning: Multi-dwelling housing is heavily restricted; secondary dwellings are allowed with tight conditions.

Hunters Hill residential planning regulations require cautious piloting. However, if you intend to live, develop and sell, designing and building within the guidelines is essential, and the result adds significant value to your site.

The positive and the challenges

Hunters Hill Council places a high price on retaining its heritage value. This does open opportunities. However, the LGA does come with challenges.

The positives:

  • Heritage rules inspire creativity and thoughtful reinterpretation of classic forms.
  • Council favours respectful contemporary additions over replication, giving designers room to innovate.
  • Visual continuity and low density help maintain property value and preserve the suburb’s exclusivity.
  • Waterfront design guidelines support elegant, terraced homes that blend with the terrain.

The challenges:

  • Strict heritage requirements mean renovations often require impact statements and heritage consultation.
  • Height and visual bulk controls limit oversized additions or dominant street-facing forms.
  • Tree preservation and landscaping expectations can influence layout, fencing, and hardscaping design.
  • Secondary dwellings are tightly managed, requiring generous lot sizes.

The challenges are manageable, and our firm has overseen some exciting results. The key is collaboration and working with an expert team with a thorough and experienced history of working with the council and undergoing an appropriate process and architectural strategy.

“Designing and building within the Hunters Hill residential planning guidelines leads to high-quality, character-affirming architecture.”

What does this all mean for land and homeowners?

Building, renovating, or developing in Hunters Hill is an opportunity to contribute to the area’s unique story. With the proper architectural guidance, your home can:

  • Elevate lifestyle and value while respecting local character.
  • Use waterfront setbacks creatively with layered gardens, stepped profiles, and panoramic views.
  • Explore discreet additions that complement heritage homes, like guest pavilions, garden studios, or pool houses.
  • Integrate lush outdoor spaces that extend living areas and connect to nature.
  • Restore and revitalise original features while introducing a modern atmosphere through light, flow, and functionality.

Playoust Churcher Architects has helped many clients realise the full potential of their Hunters Hill properties. Working within the council constraints, we create beautiful, enduring homes that add value to the owners and the area.

“In Hunters Hill, architecture doesn’t just reflect lifestyle—it contributes to history.”

Our architectural perspective

At Playoust Churcher Architects, we don’t see heritage as a constraint but as a creative stimulant. Our architectural philosophy in Hunters Hill focuses on:

  • Proportion in scale, roof form, and façade articulation.
  • Respectful reinterpretation of historic detailing.
  • Working with natural topography using split levels and terraced landscaping.
  • Blending indoor and outdoor living, extending spaces with courtyards, framed views, and garden rooms.
  • Collaborative design processes, working alongside heritage consultants, arborists, and planners.
COUNCIL HUB

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Hunters Hill Council’s residential planning rules so strict?

Hunters Hill’s residential planning controls are designed to preserve its unique architectural heritage and garden suburb character. Most properties fall within Heritage Conservation Areas (HCAs), and there are strict rules around alterations, additions, and new builds to maintain visual continuity and respect original features.

Can I build a modern addition to a heritage home in Hunters Hill?

Yes, but it must be subordinate in scale and form, often located at the side or rear of the original structure. The Hunters Hill council supports contemporary interpretations of traditional architecture as long as they reflect appropriate proportion, rhythm, and materiality.

Are secondary dwellings allowed?

They are permitted in some cases, but must remain subordinate in scale, carefully designed to meet privacy, access, and setback requirements. Dual occupancies and subdivision are generally prohibited, preserving the area’s low-density character.

What are the implications for homes near the waterfront?

Properties in Foreshore Scenic Protection Areas must adhere to strict setbacks, height, and view sharing guidelines. Designs should minimise visual impact, follow the land’s slope, and integrate seamlessly with the landscape.

How does landscaping factor into planning approval?

Landscaping is vital. Hunters Hill Council enforces minimum deep soil zones, canopy tree planting, and tree preservation under a Tree Preservation Order. Driveways, fences, and hardscaping must align with natural contours and use permeable materials.

Takeaways

Heritage conservation dominates the planning landscape, with most properties falling under HCAs.

Foreshore and garden suburb guidelines further influence design, especially around landscaping and scale.

Modern design is welcomed, but it must respect traditional proportions and be subordinate to existing dwellings.

Council favours visual continuity, tree preservation, and low-density housing to maintain community character.

Waterfront properties must comply with setbacks, view-sharing principles, and erosion control standards.

Recent projects

Freshwater

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

Learn More

Killara Heritage

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

Learn More

East Lindfield

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

Learn More

Lindfield Heritage Home

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

Learn More

Castlecrag

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

Learn More

Chilton Parade, Warrawee

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

Learn More

Palm Beach Renovation

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

Learn More

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.