About Laneways

    What laneways are affected by the policy?

    This policy ONLY affects laneways which are already existing and have had properties abutting with increased density due to Local Planning Scheme No. 3. Previous project relating to future laneways (Doonan Road, Smyth Road etc.) are not part of this work as they do not have an existing laneway.

    What is land required to be ceded?

    While this policy is still being developed existing laneways will be required to be widened to 6m with equal ceding on both sides. Construction of the ceded portion of land will also be required as a condition of planning approval. The ceding and construction is only triggered through subdivision or significant redevelopment (such as multiple or grouped dwellings). There is no requirement to cede land unless a development application or subdivision is applied for and subsequently approved.

    Why does the policy suggest widening to 6m?

    The 6m width come from the model subdivision conditions and is used as it can accommodate two way traffic. Through the workshops lesser widths can be discussed which may only accommodate one way traffic.

    Has the City considered Waste Services to use the laneways?

    One of the reasons for widening, sealing and draining the laneways is to allow for postal and waste to service via the laneway. In areas such as Mt Claremont this will mean that the small pedestrian access leg through to the primary street would no longer be required if these services could use the laneway. 

    Why were the workshops postponed?

    Due to the unforeseen lockdown of the Perth Metropolitan, Peel and South-West regions that came into effect late on Sunday 31st January all planned workshops relating to the Existing Laneways were postponed.  

    These existing laneways workshops as well as a Community Information Session have now been rescheduled to occur in mid to late March 2021.

About Local Planning Policies

    What is a Local Planning Policy and how does it apply?

    The Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015 enables a local government to make Local Planning Policies on any matter related to planning and development.

    A local planning policy may apply generally or to a particular matter and may apply to the whole scheme area or to any specified area.

    Why is the City reviewing its Policies?

    This review is being undertaken to update the City’s Planning Policies and related Council Policies to resolve outdated provisions and to ensure decision making is consistent with community expectations.

    What is the relationship between the Planning Scheme and a Planning Policy?

    Local Planning Policies do not form part of a local planning scheme but are given recognition through schemes. Local Planning Policies are one of the matters to be given ‘due regard’ in local government considerations of application for planning approval.

    What happens to my comments?

    Your comments will be carefully considered as part of the process to finalise draft policies before they are presented to Council for adoption.

    If you make a submission, we will let you know when the policy will be considered by council. This engagement page will also be updated with information as policies are presented to Council.

    Please note: your details are included as part of the report to Council.

    How can I be further involved with the Council decision-making process?

    The Council Committee meeting is where the proposed policy is initially discussed and deliberated. The Committee Meeting is held a fortnight prior to the Council meeting with the final decision is made at the Council meeting. 

    If you have provided feedback on the policy you are able to address the Council at the Committee and Council meetings.

    The agenda is made available on the Wednesday prior to the meeting. If you intend to address the Council at either the committee or council meeting, please read the information on our website and complete the online form.