© 2026 Zoe. All rights reserved.
Zoe is a legal information platform. Always consult the Federal Register of Legislation for authoritative text.
[2024] NSWLEC 1051
Land and Environment Court (NSW)
2023-12-06
Original judgment source is linked above.
Judgment
The application is amended
The site and its context
Background and the proposal
Planning framework
Public submissions
Expert evidence
Contravention of height of buildings development standard
The applicant's written request to contravene the height of buildings development standard
Whether the proposal is in the public interest because it is consistent with the objectives of the contravened development standard and the zone
Consideration
Conclusion
Orders
DISCLAIMER - Every effort has been made to comply with suppression orders or statutory provisions prohibiting publication that may apply to this judgment or decision. The onus remains on any person using material in the judgment or decision to ensure that the intended use of that material does not breach any such order or provision. Further enquiries may be directed to the Registry of the Court or Tribunal in which it was generated. Decision last updated: 16 February 2024
Contravention of height of buildings development standard
(4) Development consent must not be granted for development that contravenes a development standard unless -
(i) the applicant's written request has adequately addressed the matters required to be demonstrated by subclause (3), and
(ii) the proposed development will be in the public interest because it is consistent with the objectives of the particular standard and the objectives for development within the zone in which the development is proposed to be carried out, and
(b) the concurrence of the Secretary has been obtained.
The applicant's written request to contravene the height of buildings development standard
(a) that compliance with the development standard is unreasonable or unnecessary in the circumstances of the case, and
(b) that there are sufficient environmental planning grounds to justify contravening the development standard
(1) the objectives of the development standard are achieved notwithstanding non-compliance with the standard;
(2) the underlying objective or purpose of the development standard is not relevant to the development, so that compliance is unnecessary;
(3) the underlying objective or purpose would be defeated or thwarted if compliance was required, so that compliance is unreasonable;
(4) the development standard has been abandoned by the council;
(5) the zoning of the site was unreasonable or inappropriate so that the development standard was also unreasonable or unnecessary (note this is a limited way of establishing that compliance is not necessary as it is not a way to effect general planning changes as an alternative to strategic planning powers).
Whether the proposal is in the public interest because it is consistent with the objectives of the contravened development standard and the zone
(1) The appeal is upheld.
(2) Development Application No. 427/2022 for alterations and additions to the approved residential flat building, at 29 Stanley Street, Randwick, is determined by the grant of consent, subject to the conditions of consent in Annexure A.
(3) The exhibits, other than Exhibits 2 and 5, are returned.
Samavi
Randwick City Council
(2018) 236 LGERA 256
(2007) 156 LGERA 446