Navigating a Cumberland DA: What You Need to Know Before You Design

Written by Dale Moore | Business Manager & Licensed Tradesman

Designing in Cumberland City Council requires a “sharp eye” for detail. Covering suburbs like Merrylands, Auburn, Lidcombe, and Greystanes, this council has worked hard to consolidate its planning rules into a single, robust Development Control Plan (DCP). When planning for a DA in Cumberland, it’s crucial to understand every step.

While many “straightforward” projects can go through the fast-track CDC (Complying Development Certificate) process, the unique challenges of the Western Sydney landscape—specifically deep soil rules and heritage protections—mean many homeowners find themselves in a full Development Application (DA). In this context, the requirements for a Cumberland DA become even more important.

Here are the four biggest local hurdles we plan for at JJ Drafting before the first line is ever drawn for your Cumberland project.

1. The “Deep Soil” Zone Requirement

Cumberland Council is incredibly strict on maintaining green space in residential backyards to combat the “heat island” effect in Western Sydney. It is always wise to review the details specified in the Cumberland DA regarding deep soil compliance before designing.

• The Catch: A minimum of 30% of your total site area must be designated as a “Deep Soil Zone”. This area must have a minimum width of 900mm and be completely free of concrete, decks, or outbuildings so that large trees can thrive. If your proposed extension or granny flat is too large, it will be rejected for failing this green space target.

2. Battle-Axe and Dual Occupancy Limits

If you have a large block and want to build a second home behind your existing one (Dual Occupancy), Cumberland has very specific “size” rules. The application process starts with reviewing your Cumberland DA and its exact site requirements.

• The Catch: To build two detached homes on one lot, you need a minimum site area of 600m² and a minimum width of 15m. Furthermore, if you build a second home at the rear of a “battle-axe” block, Council strictly limits that second building to one (1) storey only. We run these calculations first so you don’t waste money designing a two-storey rear home that is legally impossible.

3. Tree Management Controls (The 2-Metre Rule)

Cumberland Council (specifically in the former Holroyd area) has a very specific “definition” of which trees you can and cannot touch. Reviewing tree controls as outlined in a Cumberland DA can help you avoid costly mistakes.

• The Catch: Any woody plant over 3.6 metres in height is protected. However, there is a “2-metre rule”: you generally do not need approval to remove a tree if it is located less than 2 metres from the external wall of an approved residential dwelling. Note: This exemption does not apply if your property is in a Heritage area or in Pemulwuy. We check these maps immediately to see if you need an Arborist Report.

4. Heritage Conservation & “Non-Contributory” Homes

Suburbs like Granville and Lidcombe are full of Heritage Conservation Areas (HCAs). A Heritage Conservation Area overlay in your Cumberland DA often means stricter requirements for your property.

• The Catch: Even if your house itself has no heritage value (known as a “non-contributory” dwelling), you still face strict rules because you are inside a conservation zone. You can still develop, but your design must “contribute” to the streetscape. A Heritage Impact Assessment is almost always required for extensions or new builds in these zones.

The Bottom Line

Cumberland Council wants to see sustainable, well-planned development. At JJ Drafting, we run a “30% Deep Soil” and “Heritage” check on your address before we begin. This ensures your design respects the local rules while maximising your property’s potential, all in accordance with your Cumberland DA conditions.