Planning Applications
Prior to lodging Development Applications proponents are encouraged to speak to Development Services staff to ensure the nuances of the local planning policy framework are understood and all relevant information is submitted. Please refer to the Information Sheet - Residential Development that identifies the nuances of the local planning policy framework including variations to the deemed-to-comply requirements contained the Residential Design Codes of Western Australia and the application of mean natural ground level to determine building height and plot ratio as an additional tool to control bulk and scale.
First and foremost, proposal should evidence the Garden Shire narrative ensuring houses are set in a generous garden setting with open aspect street walls and fences.
A Deemed-to-Comply Check may also be lodged to confirm whether your development is exempt from development approval, or what deemed-to-comply requirements are being varied and rely on the corresponding design principles.
Incomplete applications may be returned, or the administrative process held up pending the submission of additional information.
Development applications are generally determined at an Ordinary Council Meeting that are scheduled monthly (except for January) on the fourth Tuesday of each month.
Application For Development Approval
Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2009 lists the current application fees.
Planning Schedule of Fees
The committee normally meets on the second Tuesday of each month except January when there is no meeting.
All applications for Development Approval must contain the following:
1. A completed Development Application form for as detailed in the attached signed by the landowner or a party acting with written authority from the landowner.
2. Written submission of the proposal that expands on the information contained in the Application for Approval Form and justifies why discretion should be applied where a deemed-to-comply requirement, or scheme or local planning policy provision is proposed to be varied. Where the Design Principles contained in the Residential Design Codes of WA are relied upon the submission should clearly articulate how they have been satisfied.
3. Site Plans drawn to scale (not greater than 1:200).
4. Elevations and Floor Plans for Development (not greater than1:100).
5. Plot ratio and open space calculations working drawings drawn to scale (not greater than 1:200) clearly identifying included and excluded areas.
6. Construction Environmental Management Plan including a site plan and complete risk matrix contain in local planning policy 8.
7. Other specialist supporting plans or information such as Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessments, Heritage Impact Statements, Arborist reports (for tree damaging activities to regulated trees), Landscaping plans, Overshadowing and Visual Privacy diagrams, and Turning Templates for 'B99' vehicles.
Please see the detailed checklist attached to the MRS Form 1 for further information pertaining to specialised reports.
What happens to a development application after it is submitted?
The process through which your application goes will depend on whether it is a single house development to be determined by the CEO and the type and complexity of the proposal. Community consultation is governed by local planning policy 6.
All applications will initially go to the Manager of Development Services where an assessment will be undertaken to determine the administrative process and whether sufficient information has been provided to commence communication consultation.
The statutory timeframe for determining an application that is not subject to community consultation is sixty (60) days and for those subject to advertising ninety (90) days. This excludes time waiting for requested further information to be provided. Single house development or applications determined under delegated authority are typically determined well within these timeframes.
What to do if you are aggrieved by a decision of the Council?
Should you be aggrieved by any part of a decision, in respect of the exercise of a discretionary power, there is a right of appeal to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal for a review of the decision in accordance with the Planning and Development Act, 2005 (as amended) and any rules or regulations made pursuant to the Act.
Such an appeal must be lodged within 28 days of the date of this decision.