It’s hard for me not have weekly involvement in projects to ensure the level of quality I expect, so it’s a treat to see buildings emerge from drawings very quickly on site. This has been the case in Crookwell where the builder Leigh Plumb has been hard at work - the home has nearly achieved lockup, with framing, cladding and windows installed. Recycled brickwork and internal reverse brick veneer will be next followed by internal fitout. I look forward to bring you further updates.
NSW Planning System Reforms
The Minns Labor Government has announced the introduction of “landmark” legislation to overhaul the NSW planning system. Known as the NSW Planning System Reforms Bill 2025, the amendments aim to achieve faster, simpler approvals, provide more certainty for builders and cut red tape and unnecessary duplication.
While most of the proposed changes in the bill do not impact the work I do with my clients, there are some changes that will affect my work:
Updates to CDC development
The Complying Development Certificate approvals pathway will be expanded to allow for “variation certificates”. These certificates enable local council to review and approve minor variations to prescribed CDC controls, and will be deemed approved unless reviewed within 10 days. While I welcome this change, I am concerned councils may issue a fast refusal due to already large workloads and render this process ineffective.
Minor modifications to consent (S4.55)
Similarly for CDC variations, minor modifications to DA approved projects are subject to a 14 day review window. If not determined in this time, the application is not deemed to be approved, however the consent authority is precluded from refusing it. From experience I haven’t experienced huge delays in S4.55 approvals, so I’m not sure if this will have a huge impact on the work I do.
Simplification of conditions of consent
Standardised conditions of consent are proposed, which would streamline the process for granting of construction certificates post DA consent. I welcome this change, as some conditions can be extremely onerous, poorly written and contradictory to the documentation approved.
The Bill is expected to be debated in Parliament in the coming months. If passed, we can expect to see the NSW Government develop necessary enabling frameworks to deliver the reforms, most likely through a staged rollout over several months commencing in the first quarter of 2026.
References:
NSW Government launches Housing Pattern Book
The NSW Department of planning has recently released the NSW Housing Pattern Book, aimed at increasing accessibility to high quality architecture that can be assessed and approved for construction faster. The patterns include a variety of multiple-housing typologies, including semi-detached, terraces, manor homes and row housing.
We welcome this initiative by the government to make great Architecture accessible by the masses, and congratulate the many incredible Architects like Anthony Gill, Carter Williamson and Sam Crawford for their beautiful work. We look forward to seeing more of these examples built in NSW.
Find out more about the pattern book here.
Manor Homes 01 by Studio Johnston, 4 dwellings with garden outlook and skillion roof. Source: NSW Planning
Erskineville Residence Completed
I’ve been extremely excited to see the Erskineville project completed and this week it reached the critical milestone of practical completion. This small but ambitious project included a number of bespoke elements including skylights, stair balustrades, upholstered bedheads and lounge, high end AV equipment as well as extensive joinery and stone elements. The team at Frontier Projects managed these easily and have worked tirelessly to bring the project to completion.
I can’t wait to see the happy clients move in and start enjoying their new home, and look forward to bringing you full completed photography soon.
Our resource guide launched
The process of renovating or building your new home is a daunting one, with a myriad of issues to juggle, including approvals, budget, construction timeframes - not to mention functional and aesthetic choices. We’ve distilled the core questions we ask our clients when we first meet into a handy new resource - “5 Questions to ask yourself before speaking to an Architect”. The guide helps you when starting out, helping you define your scope and the services you may require, the relevant approvals you may need, and how you are going to build and finance your new home. We hope this is a valuable resource, setting you in good stead as you start on your journey of renovating or building.
Download the guide on our resources page.