The Freo Alternative (Local Planning Scheme Amendment No. 63)

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Consultation has concluded

Approved by the Minister for Planning and Transport - February 2019

In March 2018 the City of Fremantle Council gave its final approval to the ‘Freo Alternative - Big Thinking about Small Housing’, formally known as Local Planning Scheme Amendment No. 63. The changes to the City's planning scheme aim to facilitate a wider choice of housing in Fremantle’s suburban areas, whilst still maintaining what people value about their neighbourhoods. The map below provides an overview of the areas included as part of this scheme amendment.

On 12 February 2019, the new planning scheme provisions for Freo Alternative were officially gazetted after being signed off by the Minister for Planning. These provisions now form part of the Local Planning Scheme. The areas where these new requirements apply are indicated on the Scheme Map as Special Control Area 5.7 (SCA 5.7), highlighted in blue on the map above. For more detailed mapping information, visit the City's Mapping website and then click on the 'Planning' toggle on the left-hand-side to view the special control areas which are outlined in red.

Amendment No. 63 represents a fresh approach to infill housing in suburban areas. It provides an alternative option to landowners, without impacting or changing the current zoning or residential density. This means that development opportunities available under the existing zoning and density (R-Code) still apply to landowners.

The provisions apply in specific sections of White Gum Valley, Hilton, O'Connor, Beaconsfield and Fremantle. In general, the provisions include:

  • Only applies to lots larger than 600 square metres and located within Special Control Area 5.7.
  • New dwelling(s) shall have a maximum floor area of 120 square metres.
  • Maximum of three dwellings on lots of 750 square metres or less.
  • Minimum of 30 square metres of outdoor living area per dwelling.
  • Developments to have higher than standard energy efficiency ratings.
  • Minimum 70 per cent of the entire development site to be open space, with some variation allowed to 60 per cent open space.
  • At least one mature tree to be retained or planted on site.
  • A maximum of one parking bay per dwelling.
  • All developments to be referred to the City’s Design Advisory Committee to consider design quality.

The flow chart below provides a broad overview of the Freo Alternative development requirements, which includes a new clause in the Local Planning Scheme, a new Local Planning Policy, as well as provisions within existing local planning policies and the Residential Design Codes of WA (R-Codes). This flow chart can also be downloaded as a PDF via the Document Library on the right-hand-side of this page.

A 5 year sunset clause applies to Freo Alternative provisions, meaning they will no longer form part of the City's planning scheme after 12 February 2024.


For more information see the Document library for:

  • Local Planning Policy 3.20 - supplements the provisions contained within Clause 5.7 of LPS4
  • Summary Booklet and relevant background information on the progress made to-date

Approved by the Minister for Planning and Transport - February 2019

In March 2018 the City of Fremantle Council gave its final approval to the ‘Freo Alternative - Big Thinking about Small Housing’, formally known as Local Planning Scheme Amendment No. 63. The changes to the City's planning scheme aim to facilitate a wider choice of housing in Fremantle’s suburban areas, whilst still maintaining what people value about their neighbourhoods. The map below provides an overview of the areas included as part of this scheme amendment.

On 12 February 2019, the new planning scheme provisions for Freo Alternative were officially gazetted after being signed off by the Minister for Planning. These provisions now form part of the Local Planning Scheme. The areas where these new requirements apply are indicated on the Scheme Map as Special Control Area 5.7 (SCA 5.7), highlighted in blue on the map above. For more detailed mapping information, visit the City's Mapping website and then click on the 'Planning' toggle on the left-hand-side to view the special control areas which are outlined in red.

Amendment No. 63 represents a fresh approach to infill housing in suburban areas. It provides an alternative option to landowners, without impacting or changing the current zoning or residential density. This means that development opportunities available under the existing zoning and density (R-Code) still apply to landowners.

The provisions apply in specific sections of White Gum Valley, Hilton, O'Connor, Beaconsfield and Fremantle. In general, the provisions include:

  • Only applies to lots larger than 600 square metres and located within Special Control Area 5.7.
  • New dwelling(s) shall have a maximum floor area of 120 square metres.
  • Maximum of three dwellings on lots of 750 square metres or less.
  • Minimum of 30 square metres of outdoor living area per dwelling.
  • Developments to have higher than standard energy efficiency ratings.
  • Minimum 70 per cent of the entire development site to be open space, with some variation allowed to 60 per cent open space.
  • At least one mature tree to be retained or planted on site.
  • A maximum of one parking bay per dwelling.
  • All developments to be referred to the City’s Design Advisory Committee to consider design quality.

The flow chart below provides a broad overview of the Freo Alternative development requirements, which includes a new clause in the Local Planning Scheme, a new Local Planning Policy, as well as provisions within existing local planning policies and the Residential Design Codes of WA (R-Codes). This flow chart can also be downloaded as a PDF via the Document Library on the right-hand-side of this page.

A 5 year sunset clause applies to Freo Alternative provisions, meaning they will no longer form part of the City's planning scheme after 12 February 2024.


For more information see the Document library for:

  • Local Planning Policy 3.20 - supplements the provisions contained within Clause 5.7 of LPS4
  • Summary Booklet and relevant background information on the progress made to-date
Consultation has concluded
  • Revised Local Planning Policy Adopted

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    Council adopted minor revisions to the Freo Alternative Local Planning Policy, known officially as Local Planning Policy 3.20: Special Control Area Provisions for Small Infill Development. This policy contains additional development requirements that supplement the key provisions in the Local Planning Scheme. All developments seeking approval under the new Freo Alternative provisions will need to satisfy the requirements of the policy, which includes requirements for sustainability, open space, rear setbacks, vehicle access and car parking among other criteria.

    A copy of the adopted policy is available to download on the local planning policies page of the City's website, or alternatively via the Document Library on this page.

    Further information on the policy can be obtained by contacting the City's Duty Planner between 9am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday on 9432 9999.

  • Freo Alternative Gazetted

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    On 12 February 2019, Amendment No. 63 to the Local Planning Scheme was published in the Government Gazette after being signed off by the Minister for Planning and Transport. This means that 'Freo Alternative' officially forms part of the City's planning scheme, and we can now accept applications for developments seeking to use these new provisions.

    The Local Planning Scheme Text and Map has been updated to include the relevant requirements which apply to the Freo Alternative areas - referred to in the Scheme as 'Special Control Area 5.7' or 'SCA 5.7'.

    Clause 5.7 of the planning scheme contains the key provisions which apply to the special control areas. In addition, Local Planning Policy 3.20 (LPP 3.20) has been prepared which contains additional requirements to supplement the scheme. Clause 5.7 and LPP 3.2 need to be read in conjunction when preparing a proposal under Freo Alternative, along with any other requirements under the Residential Design Codes of WA (R-Codes) and the City's Local Planning Policies.

    A revised version of LPP 3.20, containing minor edits to reflect changes made to the amendment by the Minister for Planning, is currently scheduled to be considered by Council at the February 2019 round of Council meetings. In the meantime, the original version of the policy adopted by Council in March 2018 is available to download from this page.

  • Confirmed for Committee and Council

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    The Freo Alternative (proposed Scheme Amendment No. 63 & Draft Planning Policy for Small Infill Development) will be considered at the Strategic Planning & Transport Committee Wednesday 21 March 2018 and the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Wednesday 28 March 2018. Both meetings will be held at the North Fremantle Community Hall, 2 Thompson Road, North Fremantle, starting at 6.00pm.

    You can address the Committee or Council on this proposal if you wish, please be aware both have a three-minute time limit. The opportunity to address Council is given during ‘public question time’ – contact the minute secretary on 9432 9999 or email planning@fremantle.wa.gov.au before 3.00 pm on the day of the meeting, or register at the venue before 5.50 pm.

    Copies of the agenda, including the full report and attachments can be viewed or downloaded from the City’s website here. Alternatively, you can view a copy at City of Fremantle Library during normal opening hours. The library is now located on the ground floor of the City Administration Building at Fremantle Oval, 70 Parry Street, Fremantle.

  • Community engagement report on phase two of the Freo Alternative

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    The report on community engagement 'what you said' for phase two of the Freo Alternative is now available in the document library. The report highlights what community engagement was undertaken, how many submissions were received and what the submissions said in relation to each theme of the Freo Alternative.

    Eighty-two submissions were received on the second stage of the Freo Alternative - 60 in support, 14 in objection and 8 neutral to the project.


  • Community Engagement Period Now Closed

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    The community engagement period closed on the 2 February 2018. Officers are now collating the submissions to report back to Council. All submitters will be notified when this item is to be considered by Council.

  • Second Stage of the Freo Alternative OPEN

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    The second stage of the Freo Alternative is now open for public comment. The second stage of the Freo Alternative proposes planning rules (scheme amendment and policy) to allow smaller homes in specific locations, while protecting the things we love about our Fremantle neighbourhoods. The proposed planning rules are based on the eight community-derived themes from the first stage of the Freo Alternative.

    We have summarised the technical requirements for each of the themes in a booklet.

    Please also let us know what you think about each of the theme requirements here.

    We’d love to know your thoughts!

  • Approval sought to advertise draft planning framework

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    The Freo Alternative has reached an important milestone. A draft scheme amendment and local planning policy for small infill housing will be considered by the Planning Committee on 7 June and Council on 28 June. This is the first step in the process for the next phase of community engagement.

    The amendment seeks to balance the need for greater housing diversity in Fremantle's suburbs with ensuring the right type of new development within these areas. Themes which emerged in the first phase of engagement have been incorporated into the draft amendment and areas for further consideration have been been identified for the next phase of engagement. This includes the areas within the City of Fremantle where the policy would apply, the maximum size and number of dwellings on a development site and mandating higher than standard sustainability requirements.

    You can view the draft amendment and local planning policy on the council agendas and minutes page. You're also welcome to attend the Planning Committee or Council meeting to ask a question, make a statement or simply observe. Find out how to get to the meeting and register for question time here.

    If adopted by council, it will enable the City of Fremantle to request approval from the West Australian Planning Commission to advertise the draft policy for public comment.

    We'll update you on the next steps for the project when the outcome of this decision is known.


  • Council resolution on the Freo Alternative

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    Our Freo alternative – Big thinking about small housing community engagement process and outcomes report was presented to council on Wednesday 25 January.

    Council resolved to receive the outcomes report and recommended that the draft development provisions considered by Council in September 2015 and March 2016 be reviewed in the context of the eight key themes identified by the Freo Alternative. As an outcome of the engagement process, the review of draft development provisions will address the following matters:

    • Design provisions to promote communal interaction between neighbours.
    • Quantity and form of private open space for each new dwelling.
    • Design provisions to safeguard existing trees and/or require new tree planting on development sites, proportionate to achieving viable development of smaller housing typologies.
    • Whether draft planning standards providing reduced parking requirements for new smaller housing types, as previously discussed by Council, are the most appropriate approach to deal with parking demand and travel behaviour.
    • Whether current planning requirements for on-site vehicle manoeuvring space could be relaxed for new types of smaller residential development.
    • The level of access to public transport and local amenities required in order for an area to be considered a suitable, or preferred, location for the development of additional smaller housing typologies.
    • Draft planning standards for open space, outdoor living area and landscaping requirements.
    • The extent and form of provisions to ensure good quality design outcomes (including design that is responsive to local character and context).
    • The extent and form of provisions to encourage or mandate higher than ‘business as usual’ sustainability standards in building design and construction.

    You can read the council report and resolution in full here or watch a video summary From the council chambers.

    A local planning scheme amendment will now be drafted to reflect the council resolution. There will be further opportunites for community and stakeholder input into the development of the draft scheme which will be available for comment on My Say Freo mid-2017.

  • The Freo Alternative - guiding future policy

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    The full engagement report from The Freo Alternative can now be downloaded from the document library

    Based on the values which City of Fremantle residents consider important, a series of recommendations have been made for future planning policy to facilitate development of smaller, more diverse housing. This was presented to Council on 25 January.

    A draft planning scheme amendment is expected to be available for public input mid-2017. Subscribe for updates to stay informed.



  • That's a wrap!

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    That’s a wrap on the Freo Alternative engagement process.

    The Game of (Freo) Life, the third event in the community engagement series, was open at Many 6160 from 3 - 6 November. Over four days adults and children alike enjoyed designing their own piece of Freo....no design was the same!

    The City will now collate all of the data from the engagement series. This information will be made available when it is completed.

    The next phases of the Freo Alternative will commence in early 2017. Thank you to everyone who came to the consultation events and engaged in the Freo Alternative.