Cambridge Response to SDAU Decision on Proposed Lots in City Beach
Published on 15 May 2025
Deputy Mayor Ben Mayes and Town of Cambridge Director Planning & Community Services Luke Gibson attended the Western Australian Planning Commission’s (WAPC) Statutory Planning Committee (SPC) on 14 May 2025 to represent the Town and convey our community’s concerns.
The Town is deeply disappointed that, once again, despite a logical and comprehensive officer report by the Town (which was supported by a deputation directly to the Committee) alongside clear public opposition to the development, the SPC resolved to approve the application.
This decision signals a clear trend of developments being approved despite not aligning with the Town’s planning frameworks or community needs.
This application was not compliant with the Residential Design Codes, as it introduced excessive building bulk that would be out of place with the surrounding homes within the master-planned residential precinct. Additionally, the proposed shortfall in visitor parking is likely to create traffic and amenity impacts for the broader community.
Approving a development that ignores the existing, and properly adopted planning frameworks, undermines trust in the process that is meant to balance additional housing with liveability. It also risks turning residents against well-managed infill, a key objective of the WAPC.
The Town supports well-planned urban renewal and is committed to maintaining a balanced planning framework that respects community expectations while accommodating growth.
Continued decisions made contrary to the Town’s planning officers’ recommendations, and without adequately considering community feedback, undermine confidence in the planning process.
Fact file:
- There was significant discussion at the SPC meeting on the application, and a number of the committee members did not support the application.
- The Chair used her casting vote to approve the application
- The full meeting, including the deputation from the Deputy Mayor, the responses given to questions from the panel from Mr Gibson, and the committee debate on the item, is available at https://youtube.com/embed/RA1Jvbdy0Qo?feature=share
- The committee received three verbal deputations (one for, and two against), and a number of written submissions from affected community members.