Planning permit management for a mixed-use medical centre development in Highett
Proposals to add dwellings above a commercial use such as a medical centre are typically assessed as a mixed-use development, where the key planning question is how well residential use can integrate with an ongoing commercial operation.
In this case, we worked with the client to progress a proposed replacement building comprising a ground floor medical centre with two dwellings above. Our role involved shaping both the planning and design response to ensure the concept aligned with the expectations of Bayside City Council and the relevant planning controls from the outset.
A significant part of the process was resolving how the residential component could function independently while remaining compatible with an active medical centre. This included refining access arrangements so residents had a clearly defined entry separate from patient movement, and ensuring the internal layouts supported privacy and amenity for future occupants.
We also addressed amenity considerations early, particularly noise transfer between the consulting rooms and the upper-level dwellings. This informed the building layout and the extent of acoustic treatment required, rather than leaving these matters to be resolved during Council assessment.
As part of our planning permit management service, liaison with Council was essential in clarifying expectations around parking provision, neighbourhood character, and the overall intensity of the built form. Where questions were raised, we responded with revised documentation and planning justification to keep the application progressing efficiently. The proposal ultimately achieved a balanced outcome that supported the ongoing medical use while introducing additional housing in a compatible form.
The end goal remained consistent throughout: a planning permit outcome that was practical, supportable under the planning scheme, and responsive to both site constraints and Council’s assessment framework.
