Existing vs Proposed Landscape Area: Why Councils Want to See Both

If you're preparing a Development Application (DA) in New South Wales, you've probably noticed that many landscape plans include two separate calculations:

• Existing Landscape Area

• Proposed Landscape Area

For many homeowners, this raises an obvious question:

"Why do I need to show both?"

The answer is simple. Councils don't just assess what you're proposing to build—they also assess how your proposal changes the site.

Understanding the difference between existing and proposed landscape areas is an important part of demonstrating that your development satisfies local planning controls.

What Is Existing Landscape Area?

Existing landscape area refers to the landscaped portions of your property before any construction begins.

This provides Council with a baseline understanding of the site's current condition.

Depending on the project, this may include:

• Existing lawn

• Garden beds

• Existing trees

• Shrubs and planting

• Existing permeable landscape areas

It may also identify existing hard surfaces such as driveways, paving and buildings so the overall site can be accurately assessed.

What Is Proposed Landscape Area?

Proposed landscape area shows what the property will look like after construction is complete.

It identifies the final landscape outcome, including:

• New planting

• Lawn areas

• Garden beds

• Trees

• Soft landscaping

• Hard landscape elements

• Swimming pool surrounds

• Outdoor living spaces

The purpose is to demonstrate that the completed development provides an appropriate balance between built form and landscaping.

Why Does Council Compare the Two?

One of Council's key responsibilities is ensuring that redevelopment doesn't gradually reduce the environmental quality of residential neighbourhoods.

By comparing the existing and proposed landscape areas, Council can assess whether the development:

• Maintains sufficient landscaping.

• Provides opportunities for tree planting.

• Protects neighbourhood character.

• Responds to the relevant Development Control Plan (DCP).

• Balances buildings with usable outdoor space.

In many councils, these calculations form an important part of the overall planning assessment.

It's Not Just About Percentages

Many applicants assume landscape calculations are simply about achieving a minimum percentage.

In reality, Council is also interested in where landscaping is located and how well it functions.

For example, a proposal may technically satisfy a landscaped area requirement but still perform poorly if:

• Landscaping is fragmented into small isolated areas.

• Large canopy trees cannot be established.

• Most planting is confined to narrow strips.

• Significant landscape areas are located over underground structures.

A good landscape plan considers both quantity and quality.

Existing Doesn't Always Equal Proposed

One of the most common situations we encounter is where an existing backyard contains large areas of lawn that are replaced with:

• Swimming pools

• Retaining walls

• Paving

• Outdoor entertaining areas

• Extensions

These elements can significantly change the site's landscape calculations.

A well-designed proposal looks for opportunities to offset these changes through thoughtful planting, improved garden design and efficient use of outdoor space.

Every Council Has Different Definitions

It's important to remember that there is no universal definition of landscaped area.

Each council may define landscaped area differently within its Development Control Plan.

For example, councils may take different approaches to:

• Resin-bound gravel

• Permeable paving

• Timber decking

• Artificial turf

• Raised planter boxes

• Podium landscapes

• Swimming pool surrounds

For this reason, landscape calculations should always be prepared with reference to the applicable planning controls rather than assumptions or rules of thumb.

Why Landscape Architects Prepare These Calculations

Preparing existing and proposed landscape calculations involves much more than measuring areas on a plan.

A landscape architect considers:

• Council planning controls

• Existing site conditions

• Architectural design

• Deep soil requirements

• Tree retention

• Proposed planting

• Stormwater outcomes

• Long-term landscape performance

This coordinated approach helps ensure the landscape supports both the planning objectives and the practical use of the site.

How Place Supply Can Help

Place Supply specialises in documentation-focused landscape architecture consulting for residential Development Applications throughout New South Wales.

We prepare existing and proposed landscape plans that clearly communicate site changes and respond to the specific planning requirements of each local council.

Our services include:

• Existing and proposed landscape plans

• Development Application landscape plans

• Landscape calculations

• Deep soil assessments

• Swimming pool landscape documentation

• Landscape compliance reviews

• Planting plans and schedules

• Consultant coordination

Whether you're preparing a new Development Application or responding to a Council Request for Information, we can help produce clear, accurate landscape documentation that supports a smoother approval process.

Learn more about our consulting services at https://www.placesupply.com.au/consulting.

Final Thoughts

Existing and proposed landscape calculations are more than just numbers on a drawing.

They tell the story of how your property is changing and allow Council to assess whether the development maintains an appropriate balance between buildings, landscaping and environmental performance.

By considering these calculations early in the design process, homeowners, architects and builders can often avoid unnecessary redesign and create stronger Development Applications from the outset.