Paddington at a glance
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Council | Woollahra Municipal Council (north of Oxford Street) and City of Sydney (south) |
| Postcode | 2021 |
| Typical homes | Two- and three-storey Victorian terraces, workers’ cottages, shop-top terraces on Oxford Street |
| Heritage | Paddington heritage conservation area; Woollahra applies its own DCP chapter (C1) |
| Watch for | Strict controls on facades, roofs and iron lace; steep streets; tight parking and lane access |
Two councils, one conservation area
Paddington's streets of terraces are protected as a heritage conservation area on both sides of Oxford Street. North of Oxford Street, Woollahra Municipal Council applies Chapter C1 of its DCP, written specifically for the Paddington conservation area and based on the Burra Charter. South of Oxford Street, the City of Sydney's heritage controls apply.
The two councils have different documents, forms and permits, so confirm which side you're on before anything is drawn. Front facades, roofs, chimneys, balconies, fences and windows are the most closely watched elements on both sides. The City of Sydney's listing for its part of the area, bounded by Oxford Street, Greens Road, Moore Park Road and Flinders Street, describes consistent streets of two- and three-storey terraces of high integrity.
Repairing a Paddington terrace
Most Paddington terraces date from the late 1800s. Typical problems come from age and from earlier repairs done with the wrong materials.
- Slate and corrugated iron roofs, parapets, box gutters and chimneys that leak where they meet the neighbour's
- Cast iron lace and timber verandahs that need specialist repair rather than replacement
- Rising damp in brick and sandstone walls, often made worse by cement render or raised paving
- Rear wings with a small kitchen and bathroom that owners want to rebuild
- Steep, narrow staircases and limited storage
Like-for-like repair with matching materials is usually simpler to approve than change. A trade who works on terraces often will know which details councils expect. Party walls are shared, so cutting into them for new services or beams affects the house next door. A dilapidation report on the neighbour's terrace before structural work protects everyone.
Access on steep streets
Paddington falls away from the Oxford Street ridge, most steeply on the northern side towards Rushcutters Bay, and many streets are narrow and lined with parked cars. Some terraces have a rear lane, which makes deliveries and rubbish removal far easier; others have only the front door.
Scaffold over a footpath, a skip bin on the road or a work zone all need a permit from the right council. Oxford Street itself has bus lanes and clearways. Mention your lane access and street when you describe the job. See the Eastern Suburbs hub for nearby areas.
Popular jobs in Paddington
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Common questions
Which council approves work on my Paddington terrace?
It depends on which side of Oxford Street you're on. North of Oxford Street is Woollahra Municipal Council, which uses its Paddington conservation area DCP chapter. South of Oxford Street is the City of Sydney. Check your rates notice or the NSW Planning Portal, then follow that council's heritage guidance.
Do I need approval to replace my terrace roof?
If you're changing the material, profile or colour, usually yes, because roofs are part of the conservation area's character. Replacing slate with slate or repairing like for like is often treated more simply. Talk to your council's heritage advisor before you order materials, and ask roofers to quote on the same specification.
Can I put double glazing in a Paddington terrace?
Often, with care. Replacing front windows usually needs approval and must suit the heritage style. Many owners keep the original timber sashes and add slim secondary glazing inside, or double glaze only the rear. Read our retrofit double glazing guide and check with council first.