A WA Planning Green Paper currently out for comment is proposing
significant changes to the way development is approved in WA.

A major shakeup is being proposed to the Western Australian Planning
System with a new Green Paper currently out for comment until 20 July 2018.

The measures proposed are surprising specific and have the potential to
significantly change the way planning approvals are obtained (or perhaps
whether they will have to be obtained).

Measures include –

  • Standardizing the format of Planning Schemes, Strategies and Policies
    into a new document called a Comprehensive Local Planning Scheme;
  • Standardizing whether land uses are permitted or not for commonly used zones;
  • Requiring local governments to maintain up to date local planning strategies;
  • Requiring local governments to prepare a Local Housing Strategy with growth
    predictions and identifying what housing types will be needed;
  • New reporting requirements for Local Governments on planning performance;
  • Requiring re-advertising of proposals amended as a result of a SAT mediation
    process (unless fully compliant);
  • A greater emphasis on DAP transparency and the use of specialist members;
  • Encouraging SAT to consider third party involvement at SAT mediations.

Conclusion

The impact of the Deemed Planning Provisions has been significant on the way in which
planning schemes operate. These proposed measures could be even more significant.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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