Hi all, would really value some input on the extension of our single fronted Victorian.

I’ve attached both our original plans we submitted to council (before planner feedback) and the revised sketches from our architect (which the planner is happy with).

The key change was driven by planning feedback on southern boundary setbacks, which meant we had to move the stairs to the centre of the house. That’s increased the build by ~10sqm, but it feels like we’ve actually lost usable space rather than gained it.

The planner is also supportive of reducing the upper level setback to the northern boundary (from 1700mm to 1500mm), which could give us ~200mm extra width upstairs and potentially help reconfigure that level.

Current issues:

• Lost the properly tucked away study
• Lost upstairs rumpus
• Lost exterior access from Laundry
• Reduced downstairs WIR/Ensuite significantly
• Upstairs flow feels quite compromised

Key constraints:

• Stairs need to stay central
• Courtyard can’t move (mirrors neighbour)

What we’d like to keep:

• Two ensuite bedrooms (downstairs guest + upstairs master)

What I’m trying to work out:

• How to rationalise sqm without losing functionality, or
• Or how to reconfigure to get more usable space back into the plan, upstairs and downstairs

Feels like there should be a smarter way to lay this out given the extra area, but we’re not quite seeing it.

Would love any ideas or different ways to approach it.