Applying for Development Approval
Step 1: Pre-lodgement
A development application is a formal request for consent to carry out proposed development. Development approval may be required for a change of land use, construction of buildings, erection of signage or demolition.
For further information on which types of proposals require a development approval, contact the Town on (08) 9347 6000 to speak to the Duty Planning Officer. The Duty Planning Officer can also provide advice on what information is required and explain the assessment process.
Step 2: Lodgement
To apply for development approval you must provide:
- A completed Development Approval Application Form and MRS Form 1(PDF, 1005KB)
- A Letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officer outlining the proposal and addressing any specific issues (eg. justification for variations to relevant planning standards).
- A completed Development Application Checklist(PDF, 388KB)
- Certificate of Title including site feature survey (refer checklist).
- Payment of the relevant fees. (refer Planning Fees).
- Two scaled copies of plans including one set in A3, with accompanying diagrams showing required information (refer checklist).
Please note: If you are applying for a variation to Local Law 43, please use this Local Law 43 Form(PDF, 1MB). There are no fees associated with this application:
Applications can be lodged by the applicant to the Town via:
- Email (file limit 40MB) to mail@cambridge.wa.gov.au; or
- Dropbox link (if the file size exceeds 40MB), you will need to notify the Town; or
- Post, which includes payment of the relevant fee, being sent to Town of Cambridge, PO Box 15, FLOREAT WA 6014; or
- In person.
Please note, submissions sent by email will be replied to with an automatic electronic acknowledgement.
Once lodged, the application will be receipted by a letter/email to the applicant.
Proposed Development that Exceeds a Cost of $50,000
If the cost of the proposed development exceeds $50,000, the plans must be digitally drawn (i.e hand drawn plans will not be accepted).
Natural Ground Levels
A number of development standards in the Town’s local planning framework utilise natural ground level for a method for calculating the height of buildings and other structures for assessment.
When assessing development applications, the Town uses the contour levels shown in Local Planning Policy 3.24 – Determining Natural Ground Levels, a copy of which can be viewed here: Town’s Local Planning Policy 3.24(PDF, 35MB).
These are the contour levels determined to be the natural ground level of the site as opposed to an artificially modified state which may have occurred over time before a proposed development.
These contour levels are to be shown on the site plan and all elevations.
The contours from Local Planning Policy 3.24 are also available on Intramaps. Once Intramaps has been opened the contours can be found by selecting the Planning module. Then in the Layers section at the bottom of the screen tick ‘Contours (scanned)’, and untick MRS Zones & Reserves, and ‘TPS Zones & Reserves’.
If you have any queries please contact the Town’s Statutory Planning department on 9347 6000 or via mail@cambridge.wa.gov.au.
Step 3: Consultation - internal and external
Public consultation may be undertaken for a period up to twenty-eight days. The application may also be referred to external bodies such as The Heritage Council of WA for comment. Representatives of the Town's building, health and/or infrastructure services will consider the proposal and assess if it meets with the Town's requirements and may suggest changes and/or the imposition of conditions or advisory notes. Some applications may be referred to the Town's Design Review Panel for impartial architectural and design advice.
Step 4: Assessment
Development applications will be assessed by a Planning Officer under the provisions of the Town's local planning scheme, related local planning policies and the Residential Design Codes (where applicable). The period taken to assess individual applications can vary depending on whether or not the application complies with the town planning requirements which can, in turn, determine if an application can be dealt with under delegated authority or is required to be determined at a Council Meeting.
Step 5: Planning officer's report and determination
The Planning Officer will prepare a report making a recommendation for approval or refusal. Development applications may be determined via one of two decision-making processes:
• Direct delegation (in-house)
• Determination by Council at an Ordinary Council Meeting
Step 6: Notification of decision
The applicant and anyone who made a submission regarding the application will be advised of the final decision in writing. Applications are required to be assessed and determined within certain timeframes; however the Town always endeavours to determine applications as soon as possible. The following statutory timeframes are applicable:
• 60 days – no public consultation is required
• 90 days – public consultation is required
Public consultation is generally required where a development proposal includes significant variations from the Town’s requirements. Once determined, this correspondence will be sent via email, with a hard copy sent by post.
More information
If you have any questions please contact the Town's Statutory Planning team on (08) 9347 6000.