Coogee serviced-apartment expansion approved with new noise, security and patron limits

The operator of serviced apartments at 161-167 Dolphin Street, Coogee, can proceed with an expansion that adds communal facilities and upgrades the Level 6 roof terrace, after the Randwick Local Planning Panel imposed new controls on noise, security, alcohol service and patron numbers.

The panel granted deferred commencement consent for DA/665/2026. The works include internal reconfiguration, an additional communal lounge, an internal communal kitchen and toilet, lift and plant changes, facade works and two ground-level signage zones.

The Level 6 roof terrace will be upgraded with barbecue facilities and seating under a new canopy. The consent also covers a new lift throughout the building, a lift platform, relocation of existing plant to the upper roof plant deck and associated roof-floor works.

The panel accepted variations to the Height of Buildings and Floor Space Ratio standards in the Randwick Local Environmental Plan 2012. It found compliance with both standards unnecessary and unreasonable in the circumstances, and accepted that there were sufficient environmental planning grounds to justify the variations.

Occupation or use of the development cannot begin until an updated Plan of Management has been submitted to and approved by Council’s Manager of Development Assessment. The plan must address compliance with approved acoustic reports and relevant noise criteria, minimise noise emissions and impacts on nearby residents, and set out how complaints and anti-social behaviour will be managed.

It must also provide for adequate security and surveillance, responsible service of alcohol and harm minimisation, and compliance with the authorised patron capacity. The condition is intended to protect the acoustic amenity of surrounding residents and minimise potential noise impacts.

The consent is on a deferred commencement basis, so the applicant must first satisfy the deferred commencement and standard consent conditions. The panel’s resolution was carried unanimously.