Subdivision & Local Development Plan | 123 Watkins Street, White Gum Valley

We have received an application for redevelopment of 123 Watkins Street White Gum Valley and we want to know your thoughts

123 Watkins Street is a 2,630m² lot near the corner of Carrington Street in White Gum Valley. It currently contains a 1960s three storey block of 12 apartments.

The City has been referred a subdivision application to retain the existing apartments and subdivide the vacant land at the back of the block into 5 new residential lots facing Lois Lane. The new lots are proposed to be 205m² each. A copy of the Subdivision Plan is available in the Document Library on the right of the screen.

A Local Development Plan has also been submitted to guide development of the 5 new lots for terrace homes (see copy in Document Library). This would only be approved if the subdivision were approved.

An Apartments Upgrade Concept has also been submitted showing how the existing apartments might be improved through installation of fencing, internal balconies and landscaping (see copy in Document Library).

Public comment on the proposal is invited. Comments can relate to each of the three elements of the proposal (the subdivision, the local development plan and the proposed apartment upgrades) and / or the redevelopment proposal as a whole.

Alternative Redevelopment Option

As an alternative, the applicant has also submitted a plan for demolition of the existing apartments and subdivision of the whole site for 7 larger new lots (between 320 and 438m² each). These could be developed with new housing similar to that occurring on other subdivided lots in the area. This option does not require public advertising however we are letting you know it has been submitted so you are aware of the other development options the landowner is considering.

Submit your comments on the subdivision proposal and draft Local Development Plan by 12 November 2021.

We have received an application for redevelopment of 123 Watkins Street White Gum Valley and we want to know your thoughts

123 Watkins Street is a 2,630m² lot near the corner of Carrington Street in White Gum Valley. It currently contains a 1960s three storey block of 12 apartments.

The City has been referred a subdivision application to retain the existing apartments and subdivide the vacant land at the back of the block into 5 new residential lots facing Lois Lane. The new lots are proposed to be 205m² each. A copy of the Subdivision Plan is available in the Document Library on the right of the screen.

A Local Development Plan has also been submitted to guide development of the 5 new lots for terrace homes (see copy in Document Library). This would only be approved if the subdivision were approved.

An Apartments Upgrade Concept has also been submitted showing how the existing apartments might be improved through installation of fencing, internal balconies and landscaping (see copy in Document Library).

Public comment on the proposal is invited. Comments can relate to each of the three elements of the proposal (the subdivision, the local development plan and the proposed apartment upgrades) and / or the redevelopment proposal as a whole.

Alternative Redevelopment Option

As an alternative, the applicant has also submitted a plan for demolition of the existing apartments and subdivision of the whole site for 7 larger new lots (between 320 and 438m² each). These could be developed with new housing similar to that occurring on other subdivided lots in the area. This option does not require public advertising however we are letting you know it has been submitted so you are aware of the other development options the landowner is considering.

Submit your comments on the subdivision proposal and draft Local Development Plan by 12 November 2021.

Planning Committee Recommended Decision

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Council's Planning Committee considered the 123 Watkins Street subdivision proposal on 2 February 2022 and resolved to:
1. Advise the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) that it is generally supportive of development that retains and improves the existing multiple dwellings (flats) on the site on the grounds that it:
  - contributes to housing diversity and affordability in the area
  - retains significant open space and potential deep planting areas
  - is well located in terms of access to transport and local shopping.
2. Recommend that the WAPC refuse the proposed 6 lot subdivision (5 new lots and retention of flats).
3. Indicate to the WAPC that it would not object to either a 4 or 5 lot subdivision which retains and upgrades the existing flats (noting that these do not increase the number of lots fronting Lois Lane beyond the number previously approved).
More information including the reasons for Council's decision are outlined in the Committee Minutes which can be viewed in the document library to the right of screen, or on the City's webpage (www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/council/agenda-and-minutes)
123 Watkins St Development - Public Comments Period Concluded

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Thanks to all those who provided feedback on the 123 Watkins Street subdivision and Local Development Plan proposal. City officers are currently reviewing these with a view to reporting the application to Council's Planning Committee on 12 January 2022. Those who made submissions will be notified of the details of this meeting (which is open to the public) and invited to attend if they wish.