FAQs

The amendment is classified as complex because the Town's current adopted Local Planning Strategy never considered the possibility that the land would be rezoned. Any amendment that does not directly align with the requirements of the strategy automatically becomes complex.

The specifications of State Planning Legislation state that a complex amendment can only be sent out for public comment once the Western Australian Planning Commission and Minister for Planning provide their consent.

Consent was granted in November 2024 and the Town is now free to seek public comment on the proposal.

The R40 density generally means single houses with adjoining boundary walls, between one and two storeys in height. A number of properties located along Harvey Street and parts of Monument Street near to the Coles have this density code.

The R60 density generally means houses that are predominantly two storeys in height, built closer together. However small apartments are possible at this density.

The R160 density generally means mixed use apartment development, and takes its primary control height and built form requirements from the Residential Design Codes volume 2.

The primary control table with the applicable section highlighted is included below for review, as well as under the 'Documents' tab of this page. 

The application is only to change the zoning of the land and apply a density code, it does not propose the development of the site. The zoning of the land must be completed before any subdivision or development application can be lodged.

The site has a memorial placed on it as it may be contaminated and requires investigation.

The Town has been advised by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) of the necessary actions for any developer or subdivider to mitigate the impacts of developing the property.

This includes a site-specific health and safety plan to address risks to workers during excavation or works, detailing potential contamination sources and risks to the water supply. Compliance with DWER approvals is mandatory. 

DWER’s advice indicates that these actions will be addressed during any proposed development, including any ground disturbance. The Scheme Amendment only proposes a change in zoning and land use potential, not development.

The timeframe for consultation has been set by the WAPC, who have advised that only a 60 day timeframe will apply in this instance. An additional seven days is able to be added to account for the Christmas break.

The Town is permitted to consider late submissions on the proposal in accordance with state legislation, however please note that the Town may not be able to provide a comprehensive review of any late submissions to the proposal.

Once consultation is completed a final report will be written to Council with recommendations on how the amendment should be finalised.

Council will have the ability to make one of the following decisions:

1. To recommend that the amendment be adopted in its current form.

2. To recommend the amendment be adopted, but subject to changes that the WAPC and Minister will review.

3. To recommend that the amendment be refused.

The final decision on the amendment will be made by the Minister for Planning, on advice from the WAPC.