Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a Precinct Structure Plan?
A Precinct Structure Plan is a planning document that provides a high-level framework for guiding how an area will be planned and could be developed in the future. This includes the zoning, subdivision and development, as well as design criteria for future development.
A Precinct Structure Plan is not the same as a Development Application. Once a Precinct Structure Plan is endorsed for West Leederville, development application/s would still be required for any development and works. These applications are assessed against the endorsed Precinct Structure Plan.
Generally, developments of a large scale are determined by the State Government through the Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP) or State Development Assessment Unit (SDAU).
Precinct Structure Plans are prepared in line with the State Government’s State Planning Policy 7.2 – Precinct Design and follow a standard style and template in accordance with that policy and the new WA Planning Manual | Guidance for Structure Plans. Although a Precinct Structure Plan may include illustrations showing buildings, these are not always based on the controls proposed by the Precinct Structure Plan and are only for context. They are not necessarily representative of the building designs that may eventuate through a Development Application.
Q. Who is preparing the Precinct Structure Plan?
A Precinct Structure Plan may be prepared by the local government, a landowner within the precinct or an agent on behalf of a landowner within the precinct. The Town is preparing the Precinct Structure Plan for the West Leederville Activity Centre.
The Town has prepared the Precinct Structure Plan for West Leederville.
Q. Why is the Precinct Structure Plan being re-advertised?
The WAPC has directed the Town to make modification to the West Leederville Precinct Structure Plan and readvertise it in accordance with the Planning and Development (Local Planning Scheme Regulations) 2015, Part 4, Clause 22.
Q. Why is a Precinct Structure Plan being prepared for the West Leederville locality?
The State Government’s State Planning Framework (namely State Planning Policy 4.2 | Activity Centres) identifies and provides guidance on Activity Centres with different hierarchies within the Perth metropolitan area. West Leederville is one of many ‘district’ level Activity Centres in the Perth metropolitan area.
The Town’s Local Planning Strategy defines the West Leederville Activity Centre area. A key action of the Town’s Local Planning Strategy is for a Precinct Structure Plan to be finalised and implemented for the Floreat Activity Centre.
Q. How will the Precinct Structure Plan impact my property?
If your property is located within the Precinct Structure Plan area, the requirements of a Precinct Structure Plan will apply to your property. As the Precinct Structure Plan is subject to advertising prior to final determination, the specific requirements proposed in the Precinct Structure Plan over the area have not been determined yet. A report to Council will be presented later in 2024 outlining the modified Precinct Structure Plan and will be available to the public to view.
The community will have the opportunity to make comments and provide feedback on the draft Precinct Structure Plan(s) when it is advertised.
Q. What is the Town's process of a Precinct Structure Plan?
The State Government regulates the process that local governments must follow for Precinct Structure Plans. This is covered in Schedule 2 Part 4 of the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015 and more succinctly summarised in the WA Planning Manual Guidance for Structure Plans.
In summary, the steps for the West Leederville Precinct Structure Plan being finalised, include:
- Drafting/Preparation: Complete the draft Precinct Structure Plan with the WAPC's modifications and revise the supporting technical studies required for a Precinct Structure Plan.
- Council Review: Council consider to support advertising the draft Precinct Structure Plan for public comment.
- Submission Review: The Town reviews submissions and prepares a report to the WAPC for recommendation to approve the Precinct Structure Plan.
- WAPC Decision: The WAPC reviews the Town’s submitted Precinct Structure Plan and consider whether to modify (which may require re-advertising), approve or refuse the Precinct Structure Plan.
Q. How many more dwellings are expected in the area?
The Town’s Local Planning Strategy estimates the West Leederville Activity Centre should cater for 1800 to 2300 new dwellings to meet the density targets set by the State Government and provide for an additional 52,000m2 of employment floorspace.
Q What if I am concerned about change in the West Leederville area?
Once supported by the Council for advertising, the draft Precinct Structure Plan will be advertised for public comment and the community will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the Town’s draft plan.
Submissions received will be presented back to Council for consideration.
Q. Who will make the final decision?
The final decision for a Precinct Structure Plan is made by the WAPC.
The WAPC will make the final decision in relation to the Town’s Precinct Structure Plan once we provide it to them for final approval.
Q. How can I be involved?
You can get involved in the process for the Town’s PSP through:
- Staying Informed: Follow updates on the Town’s website and register for Community Consultation email alerts.
- Direct Communication: Send personal feedback or inquiries to mail@cambridge.wa.gov.au or phone (08) 9347 6000.
- Public Advertising: Engage with formal public advertising of the draft Precinct Structure Plan and make a submission.