Design Review Panel

Design Review Panel

The Town of Cambridge Design Review Panel (DRP) is responsible for providing independent, expert advice to the Council, the Town, and to proponents regarding the design quality of development proposals, applications and other planning matters as specified in Local Planning Policy 1.3: Design Review Panel(PDF, 186KB).

The DRP reviews proposals and provides advice on the 10 principles for good design outlined in State Planning Policy 7.0: Design of the Built Environment.

Design review offers applicants the chance to seek constructive and independent feedback to ensure the delivery of high-quality built form outcomes. 

Applicants are encouraged to seek DRP advice before lodging a Development Application.

Although the DRP is advisory only and does not have decision-making powers, its expert advice will be considered and inform the statutory assessment and recommendations to decision-makers once a formal Development Application is lodged.

 

Design Review Panel Members

DRP members are appointed by Council in accordance with Clause 66A of the Town of Cambridge Local Planning Scheme No. 1 and Local Planning Policy 1.3: Design Review Panel(PDF, 186KB).

The most recent Design Review Panel consisted of the following members:

Primary Members	Deputy Members
Stephen Carrick	Andrew Howe
Joe Chindarsi	Philip Griffiths
Malcolm Mackay	Jackson Liew
Peter Hobbs	Gordana Nesic-Simic
	Robin Burnage

Which proposals are referred to the DRP?

Unless excluded, proposals that meet either of the following criteria are to be referred to the DRP: 

• Development proposals that are 4 or more storeys in height (above natural ground level), excluding single residential dwellings;
• Development proposals of 10 or more grouped dwellings.
• All proposals with a multiple dwelling component.
• Development located within the Town Centre zone. 
• Development of a property on the State Register of Heritage Places, on the Town’s Heritage List or in a designated Conservation Area established under the Local Planning Scheme No. 1, unless the proposal excludes a works component or does not require development approval under the Local Planning Scheme No. 1.
• Works undertaken by the Town if required by the Chief Executive Officer or Director of Planning.
• Any other proposal, or planning related matter, which in the opinion of the Town, would benefit from obtaining the DRP's comments, where appropriate, including and not limited to:
  • Studies relating to special areas or precincts;
  • Local planning policies; 
  • Design Guidelines;
  • Standard and Precinct Structure Plans;
  • Planning strategies; 
  • Local Development Plans;
  • Proposed amendments to the Local Planning Scheme; and
  • Any other matters related to the design of buildings.
• The Town may use the Design Review Eligibility Matrix to assist in determining whether a specific proposal should go through the design review process, receive design advice, or if no review or advice is needed.

Excluded proposals

• Single houses. 
• Warehouses. 
• Industrial development. 
• Public works undertaken by a public authority other than the Town. 
• Proposals eligible for referral to the State Design Review Panel or any other design review panel. 

 

The Design Review Process

1. Refer to the Local Government Design Review Manual and Local Planning Policy 1.3: Design Review Panel(PDF, 186KB) for an overview of the process and relevant criteria for proposals to be referred to the DRP. 
2. If you are unsure whether your proposal needs review by the DRP, please contact the Town on (08) 9347 6000, or by mail@cambridge.wa.gov.au.
3. Provide the relevant documents to the Town 15 working days in advance of the meeting date.
4. Proposal reviewed by the DRP and feedback provided to applicant.

 

Design Review Panel Meetings

Applicants are encouraged to attend DRP meetings, prior to formally submitting a development application, to present their proposal and receive feedback from the panel members. 

The Town holds DRP meetings when required and will schedule a DRP meeting 15-20 working days from the date a proposal and the required information is received. 

Proponents are encouraged to contact the Town about the requisite information, prior to submitting a proposal for DRP review.

In addition to the information required prior to a DRP meeting being scheduled, proponent's presentations are required to be submitted to the Town three working days before the meeting.