• Creator
    Topic
  • #11687
    BobKing
    Flatchatter

      Hi: 

      Due to family expansion, I want to add a internal wall within my unit to turn my living area into 3rd bedroom. I sent my request to strata, strata saying I need a DA approval from willoughby council. 

      Do I really need approval from council or even from strata ? as this alteration will not be visible from outside and there is no structural change to common property. 

      IF I do need approval from council, which type of approval I need.  heard there is a new state legislation to make this type of thing easy. anyone can help me by pointing to a direction. 

       

      Thanks

       

      Bob

    Viewing 4 replies - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)
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    • #29697
      Boronia
      Flatchatter

        Perhaps you could check with the council?

        #29699
        scotlandx
        Strataguru

          You propose to change the configuration of your apartment, this used to be in the category of work that requires Council approval. However you can now get approval as a complying development, if you meet the criteria.

          https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/understanding-planning/assessment-systems/complying-development/home-renovation

          Boronia’s right, check with the Council. Just call them and ask to speak to someone in the planning area.

          #29702
          Happy Strata
          Flatchatter

            The original development application for your apartment complex, which the specified number of parking spaces etc was done based upon X number of apartments with X number of bedrooms, which could then be assumed to house a maximum of X number of people. Changing the number of bedrooms in an apartment will alter this, and while if you are the only apartment in your complex to change, it would possibly set a precedent for others to follow.

            Also apartment complexes are normally designed to have bedrooms over bedrooms between apartments, and living areas over other living areas. This helps with noise etc. By putting a bedroom in a living room, there may be issues down the track with noisier individuals above you, and the angst it can cause all around. 

            I have been in complexes where people have done unapproved installations of 2nd/3rd bedrooms in the living areas, and when building or strata management discovered this, were quick to have removed per the above reasons. 

            Willoughby Council is reasonably easy to deal with, so other other posters have suggested I would recommend calling them directly. 

            #29752
            artarmonite
            Flatchatter

              Yes you need council and strata approval. The reason is that your installation may compromise the fire safety of the unit. Before everyone starts grumbling about nanny state etc, there was a fatality in a unit in Bankstown that was caused by an alteration to a unit to add a bedroom in 2015. All Strata Managers and are now extra vigilant about making sure any alteration to a unit however small is checked by the council. 

              As part of your submission the council will check that your unit block has an up to date fire certificate. If your block doesn’t have this the Owners Corporation may have to update the fire safety in the block. This may prove to be expensive.

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