What is a Clause 4.6 variation?

It's a formal request to vary a development standard (like a setback or height) where compliance is unreasonable or unnecessary and there are sufficient planning grounds. It can be part of a refusal-recovery strategy where a standard is exceeded for good reason.

Service

Council Rejected Your Duplex? Refusal Recovery & RFI Response in Sydney

A refusal or an RFI isn't the end of your duplex, it's information. We review why it happened, redesign where needed, and coordinate a planning response that answers council's concerns head-on. Many refused projects are recoverable with the right strategy.

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Why duplexes get refused or RFI'd

Bulk, scale or streetscape concerns.
Privacy, overlooking or overshadowing impacts.
Non-compliance with a development standard (setback, FSR, height).
Parking, access or stormwater issues.
Insufficient or unclear documentation.

Our review and recovery process

We read the reasons for refusal or the RFI carefully, identify what's genuinely fixable, and map a path forward, whether that's a design change, better documentation, a planning argument, or a combination. Where a development standard is exceeded for sound planning reasons, a Clause 4.6 variation may form part of the response.

Revised documentation

We prepare the revised architectural plans and coordinate the planning response so the resubmission directly addresses each concern. Send us the council letter and we'll tell you the realistic options.

Questions about refusal recovery

Often, yes. Many refusals come down to fixable design or documentation issues. We assess whether a redesign, a stronger planning argument, or a variation can address the reasons, and tell you honestly if it can't.

Council knocked back your duplex? Send us the letter.

Send your address, survey or council letter, or just call. We'll give you a preliminary read on what's possible.

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