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Whether you’re converting a retail shop into a cafe, a warehouse into a gym, or a residential property into a medical centre, navigating local planning regulations can be challenging.
As Sydney’s leading town planning firm, StraightLine Planning specialises in securing Commercial Change of Use approvals, ensuring businesses can legally operate while complying with zoning laws, Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) and Development Control Plans (DCPs).
What is a Commercial Change of Use Application?
A Commercial Change of Use DA is required when a business wants to operate from a property zoned for a different type of use. For example:
✅ Retail to Cafe or Restaurant – Converting a clothing store into a cafe requires council approval for seating, waste management, ventilation and possibly outdoor dining.
✅ Warehouse to Gym or Dance Studio – A gym in an industrial zone needs acoustic reports, parking compliance and traffic assessments.
✅ Residential to Medical Centre – Doctors and allied health professionals need approvals for patient access, parking and operational conditions.
✅ Office to Educational Establishment – Tutoring centres and colleges must meet fire safety, disability access and zoning requirements.
Without council consent, businesses risk fines, compliance notices or forced closure. Partnering with StraightLine Planning ensures a smooth approval process.
Why StraightLine Planning is Sydney’s Best Firm for Commercial Change of Use Approvals
✅ Proven Track Record of DA Approvals
We have successfully secured approvals for hundreds of businesses across Sydney, Wollongong, Newcastle, the Central Coast and regional NSW. Our in-depth knowledge of local council requirements ensures fast-tracked approvals with minimal delays.
✅ Expertise in Zoning & Permissibility
Each council has different rules regarding where businesses can operate. We conduct a detailed zoning analysis to confirm whether your proposed use is permitted with consent, saving you time and money before submitting a DA.
✅ Comprehensive DA Documentation
We prepare all required reports, including:
Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE)
Acoustic & Noise Reports
Traffic & Parking Impact Assessments
Heritage & Conservation Reports (if applicable)
Waste Management Plans
Plan of Management
Preliminary Planning Assessments
✅ Strong Relationships with Council Officers
We have long-standing relationships with local council planning officers, building certifiers, and compliance teams, allowing us to anticipate challenges and resolve issues before they become roadblocks.
✅ Tailored Planning Strategies for Complex Cases
If your Commercial Change of Use DA faces challenges (e.g., heritage restrictions, insufficient parking, or noise concerns), we develop tailored solutions that align with council objectives and business goals.
Case Studies: How We’ve Helped Businesses Secure Commercial Change of Use Approvals
1. Cafe Approval in City of Sydney (Surry Hills) – Retail to Cafe
🔹 The Challenge: A couple wanted to convert a retail clothing store into a cafe, but council required waste management approvals, grease trap installation, and outdoor seating permits.
🔹 Our Solution: We prepared an Architectural Drawing Set, Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE), liaised with council for outdoor dining permits, and coordinated mechanical ventilation compliance.
🔹 The Outcome: The DA was approved, and the cafe successfully opened without costly delays.
2. Gym Approval in Northern Beaches (Brookvale) – Warehouse to Gym
🔹 The Challenge: A fitness instructor sought approval to convert an industrial warehouse into a gym, but council required an acoustic report due to potential noise impacts on surrounding businesses.
🔹 Our Solution: We engaged acoustic consultants, proposed noise mitigation measures, and adjusted operational hours to comply with council guidelines.
🔹 The Outcome: Approval was granted, allowing the gym to operate 24/7 while meeting all noise compliance requirements.
3. Medical Centre in Inner West (Leichhardt) – Residential to Medical
🔹 The Challenge: A general practitioner (GP) wanted to convert a residential property into a medical centre, but faced parking constraints and disability access issues.
🔹 Our Solution: We negotiated off-site parking arrangements, submitted a Traffic Impact Assessment, and modified the building design to include DDA-compliant (Disability Discrimination Act) access ramps.
🔹 The Outcome: Council approved the change, and the clinic is now fully operational, serving the local community.
4. Dance Studio in Liverpool (Prestons) – Industrial to Recreational Facility
🔹 The Challenge: A dance instructor needed to convert an industrial unit into a dance studio, but council flagged concerns over parking and vehicle access.
🔹 Our Solution: We conducted a parking demand analysis, demonstrating that class schedules would not conflict with peak traffic times.
🔹 The Outcome: The DA was approved, allowing the studio to operate legally without disrupting the surrounding industrial area.
5. Restaurant in Canterbury-Bankstown (Bankstown) – Takeaway to Dine-In Restaurant
🔹 The Challenge: A takeaway shop owner wanted to expand their business to include dine-in seating, but council required approval for extended trading hours, waste management, and accessibility upgrades.
🔹 Our Solution: We prepared a trading hours justification report, proposed waste management solutions, and ensured compliance with fire safety and accessibility standards.
🔹 The Outcome: The DA was approved with conditions, enabling the restaurant to legally expand its seating capacity.
How StraightLine Planning Can Help Your Business Secure DA Approval
1️⃣ We assess your site’s zoning & land use permissibility before you sign a lease or purchase a property.
2️⃣ We prepare all DA documentation, including traffic, acoustic and environmental impact reports.
3️⃣ We liaise with council officers to ensure a smooth approval process.
4️⃣ We resolve any compliance concerns (e.g., parking, accessibility, noise).
Get Your Commercial Change of Use Approved with StraightLine Planning
Whether you’re opening a cafe, gym, medical centre, tutoring facility, childcare centre or retail business, our experienced town planners ensure your Commercial Change of Use application is approved quickly and efficiently.
📞 Call StraightLine Planning today to discuss your project and secure your DA approval.
📍 Servicing Sydney, Wollongong, Newcastle, the Central Coast & regional NSW
👉 Visit our website to see more success stories and planning insights.
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