Changes to Setback Requirements (Local Planning Scheme Amendment No. 83)

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Consultation has concluded

We’re seeking feedback on a proposed change to building setback requirements in parts of the Fremantle city centre and the West End Heritage Area. There are no changes proposed to building height requirements.

At present, the City’s Local Planning Scheme No. 4 (planning scheme) requires that all new development above the third storey must be set back ‘out of view’ from the street. We're proposing that the mandatory requirement should be removed for new applications in parts of the Fremantle city centre including the West End Heritage Area, allowing setbacks to be assessed on a case-by-case basis instead. 


What is the proposed amendment?

The proposal would remove only one clause from Schedule 7 of Local Planning Scheme No. 4, under sub-section 1.3.1 (page 75). To view the proposed amendment in the scheme text, click here.  It does not amend any existing height requirements and would only apply to new development applications.

Under the planning scheme any fourth storey or height above 11 metres would still have to be:

  • limited to 14 metres in total
  • consistent with the predominant height pattern of adjoining properties and the locality, and
  • consistent with any other matters in Council’s local planning policies, including the recently adopted West End Heritage Area Local Planning Policy


Why is this amendment being proposed?

In 2019-20 the City undertook work to develop a new local planning policy (LPP 3.21) for the West End Heritage Area, which has now been adopted. Removing the mandatory setback requirement was considered as part of this work, with some key reasons being:

  • There may be times where a reduced setback results in a better heritage outcome. Removing the mandatory requirement provides more flexibility to consider this.
  • Setbacks are not consistent with the traditional building form.
  • The mandatory setback requirement was originally introduced to reduce the visual impact of upper storeys. The requirement hasn’t always been successful, and we now believe there are better ways to encourage good design under updated policies.

Composite image showing a more contemporary building with the fourth floor setback (left) and a more traditional building that is setback nil to the street (right). Traditional buildings on High Street are set back ‘nil’ to the street on all levels, contributing to the precinct’s unique heritage character.Image 1: On the left, an example of a building with a mandatory fourth-floor setback. On the right, an example of how the traditional built form is setback 'nil' to the street on all levels. 


Where would the change apply to?

This change would apply to an area known as sub-Area 1.3.1 shown in the map below (click to open). This includes the West End Heritage Area and much of the city centre.



What we've heard so far

In 2020 we asked the community for feedback on the draft West End Heritage Area Policy and preliminary input on the idea of removing the mandatory setback requirement from the planning scheme. The feedback was mixed:

  • Some respondents supported the proposed change, reasoning that each application should be considered individually on its merits, and that design should remain sympathetic to the area.
  • Others didn't support the proposed change or wanted things to 'remain as they are'. Reasons for this included a belief that without guaranteed good design, additions would be better off without street frontage. Other reasons included that it could contribute to bulk in the area and that mandatory setbacks help ensure that heritage features dominate the area.
  • There was some confusion over the scope of the amendment, with some people interpreting it as a change to building height allowances – this is not the case.

The amendment has been initiated by Council and we're now seeking feedback as part of the formal amendment process.


Share your thoughts below before Wednesday 26 May 2021. You can also post a submission to the City of Fremantle, PO Box 807 Fremantle WA 6959, or contact us for further information.


We’re seeking feedback on a proposed change to building setback requirements in parts of the Fremantle city centre and the West End Heritage Area. There are no changes proposed to building height requirements.

At present, the City’s Local Planning Scheme No. 4 (planning scheme) requires that all new development above the third storey must be set back ‘out of view’ from the street. We're proposing that the mandatory requirement should be removed for new applications in parts of the Fremantle city centre including the West End Heritage Area, allowing setbacks to be assessed on a case-by-case basis instead. 


What is the proposed amendment?

The proposal would remove only one clause from Schedule 7 of Local Planning Scheme No. 4, under sub-section 1.3.1 (page 75). To view the proposed amendment in the scheme text, click here.  It does not amend any existing height requirements and would only apply to new development applications.

Under the planning scheme any fourth storey or height above 11 metres would still have to be:

  • limited to 14 metres in total
  • consistent with the predominant height pattern of adjoining properties and the locality, and
  • consistent with any other matters in Council’s local planning policies, including the recently adopted West End Heritage Area Local Planning Policy


Why is this amendment being proposed?

In 2019-20 the City undertook work to develop a new local planning policy (LPP 3.21) for the West End Heritage Area, which has now been adopted. Removing the mandatory setback requirement was considered as part of this work, with some key reasons being:

  • There may be times where a reduced setback results in a better heritage outcome. Removing the mandatory requirement provides more flexibility to consider this.
  • Setbacks are not consistent with the traditional building form.
  • The mandatory setback requirement was originally introduced to reduce the visual impact of upper storeys. The requirement hasn’t always been successful, and we now believe there are better ways to encourage good design under updated policies.

Composite image showing a more contemporary building with the fourth floor setback (left) and a more traditional building that is setback nil to the street (right). Traditional buildings on High Street are set back ‘nil’ to the street on all levels, contributing to the precinct’s unique heritage character.Image 1: On the left, an example of a building with a mandatory fourth-floor setback. On the right, an example of how the traditional built form is setback 'nil' to the street on all levels. 


Where would the change apply to?

This change would apply to an area known as sub-Area 1.3.1 shown in the map below (click to open). This includes the West End Heritage Area and much of the city centre.



What we've heard so far

In 2020 we asked the community for feedback on the draft West End Heritage Area Policy and preliminary input on the idea of removing the mandatory setback requirement from the planning scheme. The feedback was mixed:

  • Some respondents supported the proposed change, reasoning that each application should be considered individually on its merits, and that design should remain sympathetic to the area.
  • Others didn't support the proposed change or wanted things to 'remain as they are'. Reasons for this included a belief that without guaranteed good design, additions would be better off without street frontage. Other reasons included that it could contribute to bulk in the area and that mandatory setbacks help ensure that heritage features dominate the area.
  • There was some confusion over the scope of the amendment, with some people interpreting it as a change to building height allowances – this is not the case.

The amendment has been initiated by Council and we're now seeking feedback as part of the formal amendment process.


Share your thoughts below before Wednesday 26 May 2021. You can also post a submission to the City of Fremantle, PO Box 807 Fremantle WA 6959, or contact us for further information.


Consultation has concluded
  • Council considers outcomes of consultation

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    Council considered the outcomes of consultation on planning scheme Amendment 83 on 28 July 2021. Council decided to recommend to the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) that the amendment be supported, but in a modified form, to retain the mandatory setback for heritage listed buildings but allow flexibility for sites which are not individually listed. The amendment documents (including all submissions received) will be referred to the WAPC shortly. The WAPC will then make a recommendation to the Minister for Planning for a final decision.

  • Public Submissions referred to Council

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    The proposed scheme amendment and the outcomes of consultation on it will be considered at Council's Strategic Planning and Transport Committee meeting on Wednesday 21July 2021, and will then be referred to the full Council meeting on 28 July 2021. The Council will decide whether to recommend to the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) and Minister for Planning that the amendment proceed, not proceed, or proceed with modifications. The meeting agenda (including a report on this item) will be posted on the City's website on the Friday before the committee meeting: Agendas and Minutes page(External link).

    ATTENDING COMMITTEE

    Strategic Planning and Transport Committee - Wednesday 21July 2021, commencing 6.00pm at North Fremantle Community Hall, 2 Thompson Rd North Fremantle.

    Committee meetings are open to the public. Members of the public are welcome to attend or speak at council or committee meetings; you can find more information on this here(External link).