Community Update: Clifford Street Development - What Happens Next
- 19th July 2026
- Community Updates
- 10 min read
Understanding the next stage of the planning process.
The proposed mixed-use development at Clifford Street is expected to enter its next stage in the coming weeks, with the developer anticipated to lodge a revised Development Application (DA) with Byron Shire Council.
The developer has recently released updated concept images & information about the proposal, indicating that the design process is progressing. At the time of publishing, however, the Development Application has not yet been lodged with Council & the formal assessment process has not begun.
Once the application is lodged, all plans & supporting documents will become publicly available through Byron Shire Council & the community will have an opportunity to review the proposal & make submissions during the public exhibition period.
Regardless of whether you support the proposal, oppose it, or are still forming your views, this will be an important opportunity to understand what is being proposed & participate in the planning process.
SPCA's Role
The Suffolk Park Community Association (SPCA) is not the decision-maker for this proposal, nor have we adopted a position either in support of or opposition to the development.
Our role is to:
We recognise that the proposed development has generated a wide range of views within our community. Our commitment is to ensure everyone has access to accurate information & meaningful opportunities to participate in the planning process.
Where Are We in the Process?
The proposed redevelopment of the Clifford Street site has been under consideration for several years. Here's a summary of where things currently stand.
July 2022
Development Application Refused
The original Development Application was lodged with Byron Shire Council on 13 July 2022 for a mixed-use development comprising commercial space & 23 dwellings. On 19 July 2022, Council refused the application, citing a number of planning & environmental concerns.
September 2022
Appeal to the Land & Environment Court
Following Council's refusal, the developer exercised its right to appeal by commencing Class 1 proceedings in the NSW Land & Environment Court on 9 September 2022, seeking development consent for the proposal despite Council's decision.
2023
Mediation & Court Hearing
During 2023, the parties participated in the Court's conciliation process & the developer submitted amended plans. When mediation was unsuccessful, the matter proceeded to a five-day hearing before the Land & Environment Court in June 2023.
October 2023
Appeal Dismissed
On 12 October 2023, the NSW Land & Environment Court dismissed the appeal, finding the proposal did not adequately address a range of planning & environmental issues, including biodiversity impacts, meaning the original refusal remained in place.
April 2026
Revised Design & Community Consultation
The developer has prepared a revised proposal & undertaken further community consultation, including public information sessions, one-on-one meetings with residents & updated concept designs, with a new Development Application now expected.
Coming Soon
Revised DA Expected
At the time of publishing, a new Development Application has not yet been lodged with Byron Shire Council. Once lodged, the plans & supporting reports will be placed on public exhibition, giving residents the opportunity to review the proposal & make submissions.
What's Different About This Proposal?
The revised concept released by the developer indicates a number of changes have been made since the proposal refused by Byron Shire Council in 2022 & subsequently dismissed by the NSW Land & Environment Court in 2023.
According to the community consultation material released by the project team, the revised concept proposes:
- Approximately 200m² of new retail space across two tenancies.
- Eight residential apartments above the retail component.
- Two affordable housing units.
- Six detached family homes on the R2-zoned portion of the site.
- 35 on-site car parking spaces.
- A building designed to remain below the 9-metre height limit, using setbacks & split levels to reduce its visual impact from Clifford Street.
- Retention of the existing Coastal Cypress Pines, removal of 16 native trees, planting of 100+ new native trees & plants & creation of an on-site ecological restoration area.
These details are based on the developer's concept material & will need to be confirmed once the formal Development Application is lodged with Byron Shire Council.
Concept Site Plan
The revised concept includes apartments, detached homes, public open space & retained vegetation. Image from Rockpool Studios community consultation material. Final design subject to Development Application.
What We've Been Doing
Over the past few months SPCA has been working to ensure community perspectives are understood well before the formal assessment process begins.
This has included:
Our role isn't to campaign for a predetermined outcome.
Our role is to listen.
What We Heard Earlier This Year
In April 2026, SPCA invited residents to share their thoughts on the future of the Clifford Street site. While opinions on the proposed development varied, there was strong agreement on the issues residents felt were most important. The results below summarise the key themes identified through our community survey.
Safety & Movement
Residents identified traffic & road safety as key priorities.
53% Traffic congestion
50% Site access
40% Pedestrian safety
Stormwater & Flooding
Managing water & reducing flood risk remains a key concern.
67% Flooding & drainage
Key Theme Stormwater management
Key Theme Flood resilience
Environment & Ecology
Protecting Suffolk Park's natural environment is a shared priority.
60% Wildlife
50% Native vegetation
43% Tree removal
Village Character
Residents value what makes Suffolk Park unique.
90% Village atmosphere
67% Quiet lifestyle
60% Low-density feel
Community Improvements
Residents identified opportunities to improve the village.
50% Bike paths
50% Pedestrian upgrades
47% Public green space
Infrastructure Priorities
Residents want infrastructure to keep pace with growth.
47% Traffic calming
40% Community facilities
37% Intersection improvements
*Source: Suffolk Park Community Association Community Survey – Clifford Street Development (April 2026).
These themes have helped inform our conversations & will continue to guide the work of our subcommittees.
We'd Like to Hear From You Again
Community consultation doesn't end once a Development Application is lodged.
Since our original survey, the developer has undertaken further consultation & additional information about the proposal has become available.
Community views may have evolved.
Once the Development Application has been lodged, SPCA will launch a follow-up community survey to better understand current community sentiment.
Whether your views have changed, stayed the same, or you're still undecided, we'd like to hear from you.
Understanding what matters most to our community helps ensure future advocacy is informed by evidence rather than assumptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Involved
The Denwol Community Consultation Subcommittee welcomes anyone with an interest in the future of the Clifford Street site.
Whether you have questions, concerns, ideas or simply want to stay informed, we encourage you to get involved.
Members of the subcommittee help:
- Capture community perspectives.
- Review planning information.
- Support community engagement.
- Provide recommendations to the SPCA Committee.
- Ensure a wide range of community views are represented respectfully & transparently.
A diversity of perspectives makes for stronger community conversations & everyone is welcome.
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