A lot of applications don't get approved first time or just require further info. Just having a design and plans prepared is a very small (but vital) part of the whole process. It all starts again with the application and approvals, more documentation and paperwork. They can ask for different information or can 'reject' a proposal but will then accept it if you provide the necessary paperwork. They can and will move goalposts without advising anyone or the development officer may require different specifications to another colleague..... You never mentioned exactly what the objections were in detail so hard to comment exactly. There are many alt's and add's around the Newtown and Inner West so it can be achieved. This is an area where I would recommend using a good local architect as they do plans, documentation, sort the approvals, tender and project manage the build. There are good Building Designers and draftsman too but an architect will have the headache of the approvals not you. A builder I did a bit of work for a few years back said it took him 2 years for an approval. He did the plans himself as it was minor...... He then found out along the way he needed Heritage Reports, Noise and Acoustic Reports, Stormwater........ Yes, Floor Space Ratio was mentioned. The minor alteration wasn't as simple as first expected. I've done a couple around the Inner West in the past (3 years+) and have one coming up in the new year in Balmain. The job is for a builder I know very well so I couldn't exactly say 'No thanks, try a local due to their local experience and knowledge'. I did advise him of the difficult nature of the area and council but he's ok with that. My advise to you would be make a solid decision on what you really require for the works? Can the existing plans be amended easily to be approved? Are the major objections 'major' or is the correspondence only written to make the issues sound major? I would also meet up with a local Architect and have them go over the plans and council objections and advise what to amend or what further documents are needed.

Oh wow you have been busy! It's funny, I was at my Mum's today and we were discussing your plans. We decided the bunk room was a bit small and she suggested moving it back like you have done. Agree the fireplace will be be better on the western wall, with flow from the kitchen to the backyard with large doors. I'm torn about whether the changes to make the mudroom bigger are changing too much what I loved about the previous iteration, i.e. the void and the toilet placement. Although my hubbie wasn't sure about the toilet where it was previously as he was worried sound would carry into the lounge I never thought of that to be honest and really liked how it entered from under the stairs ‍♀️ No views to the south so no need for the window seat, would prefer the void I think and no need for bath downstairs. Which version do you think works better? Perhaps the mudroom was big enough? I did like the extra room off it for storage etc Thanks so much for the renders, I'm a bit concerned that it now doesn't look like my original picture. I'm really trying to keep the look as American as possible with the pitch of the veranda and the pitch of the roof. This style has been my dream and is really so much a part of my vision. I don't want something that looks similar to other houses. Sorry if this seems silly. My builder did mention about the gas bottles and how they need to see their truck. Good idea between the carports. I wonder if it's cost prohibitive to have them buried at the front? Can I ask what the total sqm is for both upstairs and down?

Like others here, at first glance I assumed the view of the water was to the east, but then realised from the sun diagram that north is up the page, so I'm guessing this might be in Bundeena? I agree with most of the other suggestions and have a few of my own as well, will summarise here: - the pitched roof dominates too much, I would suggest the new master bedroom suite has a flat room, similar to the new entry; - the garage is too small and can easily be larger, especially wider and the stair could go down the side instead of at the end; - the foyer/entry is too small for a luxury property, really just a stair landing. I suggest widening it to the line of the new bedroom, and also pulling the entry doors out further to give more space there; - car turning space is questionable. Maybe the external stair could flip over to the other side of the entry to give better reversing room, if it is needed at all (3 stairs???); - give more space to the ensuite, less to the walk-in-robe; - give more space to study, taken from bed room; - angled wall (in line with deck edge) in bedroom instead of re-entrant corner would make it more spacious and allow the bed to move forward with better access; - door to laundry from pantry instead of bath room.

Am so pleased for you, Lucy. What a lovely home and it very much suits its gorgeous setting. Love, love, love the use of timber, and all that glorious light. I now also have a serious case of dining chair envy. And the view! No wonder you’re (rightly) pleased. Health, happiness and many, many years enjoying the fruits of all your hard work to you and yours And to all the lovely Houzz community members who helped Lucy, and myself, cheers you wonderful people