This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
MOST residential developments in Western Australia will now be determined by authorised local government staff rather than the elected members of Council, as new planning reforms come into action.
The changes to local government decision are for building single houses, extending or altering homes, and simple projects such as building a patio, carport or fence.
These types of developments can no longer be referred to or “called in” for determination by a Council’s elected members, except where a property is on a local or state heritage list or in a designated heritage area.
The Cook government said the streamlined process will save Western Australians time and money, with referral to full Council often adding up to two months onto the process and in some instances resulting in expensive appeals to the State Administrative Tribunal.
Many local governments currently delegate the majority of decisions to their chief executive officer or planning staff, but the reform ensures consistency, the government said.
Planning Minister John Carey said the Cook government “continues to deliver its nation-leading planning reforms that boost housing supply across Western Australia by cutting unnecessary red tape and streamlining planning processes”.
Earlier this year the Cook government removed restrictions around granny flat construction across Western Australia, with planning approvals no longer required for any units of up to 70 sqm.
