Planning and Urban Design

Berrys Bay Studio is a leading expert in complying development, delivering faster, more certain approval pathways for developers, builders, and applicants across NSW.

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Our Executive Director of Planning, Lynne Sheridan, is the former Director of the Codes and Design Team at the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. In that role, she designed and implemented statewide planning codes that reduce approval risk, simplify controls, and accelerate housing delivery—all while maintaining clear, workable design standards.

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Key Reforms & Codes Delivered

 

Lynne’s leadership was instrumental in the development of the following key frameworks:

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Low Rise Housing Diversity Code (LRHDC)

Established a complying development pathway for dual occupancies, terraces, and manor houses in established urban areas. This Code unlocks fast-track development opportunities in low-rise zones by providing consistent standards that reduce DA risk.

Low Rise Housing Diversity Design Guide

Created practical, performance-based design criteria to provide industry clarity upfront. The Guide balances project feasibility with residential amenity, ensuring compliant projects achieve approval efficiently while meeting neighborhood expectations.

Simplified Housing Code

Lynne rewrote and modernized the Housing Code, incorporating explanatory images into NSW legislation for the first time. This reform reduced complexity for homeowners and certifiers alike, streamlining approvals for new houses and alterations. Lynne received a Premier’s Award for this innovative approach.

Greenfield Housing Code

Delivered a fast-track approval pathway for new homes in land release areas, with approvals typically issued within 20 days. Tailored, lot-specific standards improve predictability and support efficient project delivery in growth corridors.

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Inland Code

Introduced a simplified complying development framework specifically for regional and rural NSW. Covering homes, renovations, and farm buildings, this Code reduces red tape and supports both development feasibility and agricultural investment.

The Double Bay Centre is renowned for its village character, vibrant outdoor dining, and diverse mix of local businesses. Its proximity to Sydney Harbour and Edgecliff train station make it an attractive place for people to live, work, and visit.

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The Centre is currently going through a built form transition. The purpose of the Double Bay Strategy is to ensure that this transition occurs in a coordinated way that reinforces Double Bay’s village character.

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The draft Double Bay Strategy was informed by extensive three-dimensional built form modelling, public domain studies, and a detailed review of existing planning controls. It is accompanied by the Double Bay Transport Study and Draft Double Bay Community Impact Statement.

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Lynne Sheridan and Haley Rich undertook the post exhibition review and finalisation of the Double Bay Planning and Urban Design Study, which addressed 264 public submissions.This excellent work, in a highly sensitive location on Sydney’s harbourside, resulted in the first major review of the planning controls for the commercial centre in 20 years.

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The draft Double Bay Strategy recommended built form strategies that aim to protect and preserve what is most loved about Double Bay, while providing a strengthened planning framework to guide future development in the Centre.

Lynne was engaged by Moree Plains Shire Council to lead the preparation of the Moree Growth and Infrastructure Plan, delivering a Masterplan and Infrastructure Plan for five key investigation areas in Southwest Moree and Pallamallawa.

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The Plan responds to projected growth driven by Inland Rail and the Special Activation Precinct and implements the adopted housing strategy, which identifies the need for 2,050–4,400 new dwellings by 2041.

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Through a comprehensive and structured planning process, Lynne assessed land capacity, infrastructure requirements and housing diversity opportunities to ensure future growth is sustainable, well-serviced and aligned with the Shire’s heritage, character and long-term economic objectives.

Lynne was engaged by Gwydir Shire Council to prepare the Draft Gwydir Shire Local Housing Strategy, establishing a long-term framework to deliver diverse, affordable and well-located housing across the LGA.

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The Strategy assesses current and future housing demand, land supply and infrastructure capacity, and identifies actions to support sustainable growth, liveability and economic development. It provides clear direction for zoning, densities and future development opportunities, informed by community consultation to reflect local priorities and aspirations.

Lynne worked with the Assessment’s team at the Department of Education to assess new and upgraded public schools and high schools across NSW. Lynne’s significant planning experience was utilized by the Department to navigate and resolve complex planning issues and ensure timely planning approvals for a number of these significant school projects. Some of the schools assessed by Lynne include:

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New Gledswood Hills High School & New High School for Leppington and Denham Court​

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Both new high school projects were assessed by Berrys Bay Studio for the Department of Education and were subsequently determined in mid-2025.

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Construction is now underway on two new high schools in Sydney’s South West, as the NSW Government delivers on its commitment to ensure Sydney’s high growth communities have access to quality public schools. Both Leppington’s new high school and a new permanent high school for Gledswood Hills will be ready to welcome students on Day 1 Term 1 2027.

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The schools will each include 51 modern classrooms catering for up to 1,000 students, plus a multipurpose hall, library, science, and arts workshops, along with a playing field, sports courts, canteen and covered outdoor learning area.​

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Leppington Public School Upgrade

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The Application was assessed by Berrys Bay Studio for the Department of Education and was subsequently determined on 12 June 2025.

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​This Part 5 Application was prepared on behalf of the NSW Department of Education to support the construction and operation of new school facilities at the existing Leppington Public School, located at 144 Rickard Road, Leppington. The proposed upgrades included:

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• Removal of nine temporary classrooms (demountable) and demolition of three permanent teaching spaces.

• Construction of a new three storey building containing 20 permanent teaching spaces and three support teaching spaces.

• Construction of a new hall, comprising a canteen and OSHC hub, and COLA.

• Extension of the existing library. Associated works include:

• Upgrades to the sports and play facilities.

• Relocation of the yarning circle.

• Upgrades to site services, footpaths, fencing and other associated ancillary works and landscaping

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