Randwick Local Planning Panel (Electronic) - 14 May 2026

Topics

• Randwick panel approves Maroubra home after height variation accepted
  The panel backed a three-storey dwelling at 34 Mermaid Avenue despite a height control variation.
  Shows how the panel weighs design and planning grounds against local standards, affecting nearby residents and future applications.
• Coogee co-living proposal refused over amenity and safety concerns
  A review application for 171 Arden Street was knocked back after the panel said the proposal would set an undesirable precedent.
  The refusal signals continued scrutiny of co-living proposals and may influence future development approaches in Coogee and nearby suburbs.

Decisions

• 34 Mermaid Avenue, Maroubra - development consent granted
  The panel accepted the applicant’s written request to vary the height of buildings development standard in Randwick LEP 2012, finding compliance was unreasonable and unnecessary and that sufficient environmental planning grounds existed. Consent was granted for demolition and construction of a 3-storey dwelling house with basement parking, storage, plant rooms, foyer, swimming pool within the front setback, excavation and associated works, subject to conditions.
  Allows a new dwelling development in Maroubra, with implications for local amenity, streetscape, parking and construction impacts.
• 171 Arden Street, Coogee - review application refused
  The panel refused the application, citing unresolved amenity and safety concerns and concern that the proposal would set an undesirable precedent for inappropriate co-living development inconsistent with planning policies.
  Blocks a co-living proposal in Coogee, preserving local planning controls and addressing resident concerns about amenity and safety.

Discussion

• Height variation approved for Maroubra dwelling
  The panel was satisfied that the proposed departure from the height standard at 34 Mermaid Avenue was justified by planning grounds.
  Signals that the project can proceed despite exceeding the height control, which may interest nearby residents and planners.
• Co-living precedent rejected at Coogee site
  The refusal at 171 Arden Street was based partly on the view that the proposal could establish an undesirable precedent for non-compliant co-living development.
  Reinforces local resistance to development types seen as out of step with planning policy and neighbourhood expectations.

Impacts

• Construction and site works may proceed at 34 Mermaid Avenue, Maroubra, subject to consent conditions.
• The refused Coogee proposal will not proceed as lodged, reducing immediate concerns about amenity and safety impacts at 171 Arden Street.

Places

• Maroubra (suburb)
  Location of the approved development at 34 Mermaid Avenue.
• 34 Mermaid Avenue (street address)
  Site of the approved 3-storey dwelling house development.
• Coogee (suburb)
  Location of the refused review application at 171 Arden Street.
• 171 Arden Street (street address)
  Site of the refused co-living review application.

Next

• Implement consent conditions for the approved 34 Mermaid Avenue development.
  Following issue of the consent and any required pre-construction approvals
• No further action on the refused 171 Arden Street review unless the applicant lodges a new application or appeal.
  If pursued by the applicant

Extract

This is of the Minutes of the Randwick Local Planning Panel (Electronic) meeting held on 14 May 2026 MINUTES OF RANDWICK LOCAL PLANNING PANEL (ELECTRONIC) MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 14 MAY 2026 Present: Chairperson: Julie Walsh Expert Members: Paul Vergotis & Sue Weatherley Community Representatives: Kate Kelly Council Officers present: Manager Development Assessment Mr F Ko Coordinator Major Assessments Mr F Macri Executive Planner Ms A Manahan Declarations of Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary Interests Nil. The Panel deliberated and voted on each matter via an electronic meeting. The resolutions, reasons and voting outcomes for each item on the agenda are detailed below: Development Application...