Draft Local Planning Policy 1.11 - 'Significant' Development Applications Made Under Part 17 of the Planning & Development Act

The approval pathway for certain 'significant' developments has recently been changed by the WA Government. We're seeking feedback on our draft local planning policy which outlines how we will consider these applications.

Due to COVID-19 the WA Government has introduced a new approval pathway for major developments considered 'significant' which is intended to remain in place for 18 months from July 2020. A 'significant' development means any proposal (except for a warehouse) with an estimated cost of $20 million or more.

Under these changes, developments which are defined as 'significant' can be submitted to the WAPC (the State Government's planning authority) for approval, instead of being lodged with the local government for assessment and consideration by a Development Assessment Panel (DAP).

Similar approval pathways have also been established by other Australian jurisdictions in response to the global health crisis.

What will change?

As part of the 'significant' development process, applications within the City of Fremantle will be referred to us for comment, however the WAPC will make the final decision on the proposal. The changes are intended to be temporary.

In response we have developed a draft planning policy which outlines how we'll consider and assess these 'significant' development proposals.

Share your feedback

To read the draft local planning policy, click here or visit the document library on this page.

Further background information is also available:

• City of Fremantle Planning Committee Minutes 2 September 2020 - available in the document library, or click here to view.
• WA State Government fact sheet on the 'significant' development process - available in the document library or by clicking here.
• More information on these proposals can also be found on the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage website.

You can read the draft local planning policy and provide feedback in the submission form below by Sunday 11 October 2020.