A court has rebuffed an attempt by the developer of the Bronte RSL site to build additional flats, with residents declaring the decision a rejection of "inappropriate overdevelopment".

Developer Danny Avidan offered a terse "no comment" to Fairfax Media after the Land and Environment Court turned down his RDA Property Group's new plans for the apartment complex in McPherson Street in Bronte.

Stephen Lightfoot (left) said the court's rejection of plans for the Bronte RSL site was a "victory for local democracy". Credit:Wolter Peeters

Commissioner Danielle Dickson said the developer's proposal to increase the height and floor space of the apartment complex did not meet planning rules for the area.

She also said the developer's new plans involved "a sub-optimal outcome" and a reduction in privacy in comparison to the development application previously approved by Waverley Council in 2015.