New rules to enforce better apartment quality and open space
25 February 2019
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McGowan Government releases Design WA guidelines to ensure apartments are built to higher standards
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Design WA policy will ensure good design is at the heart of all development
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Policy raises standards for natural light, good ventilation, tree retention, local character and quality open space
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Improved outcomes for infill developments and METRONET precincts
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Consistent guidelines to apply across all local governments
Minimum
apartment sizes, increased tree retention and
new natural light requirements form part of new guidelines to ensure
future infill and apartment developments are built to higher
design
standards.
Planning Minister Rita Saffioti today released the first stage of
Design
WA - a set of guidelines for developers and
local governments to
follow, so good design is at the heart of all new community
developments.
The new rules address developments that have previously resulted in poor
outcomes for streetscapes, cramped interiors and a lack of green space.
Design WA includes clearly defined objectives about what future
developments should consider, and includes it in the revised Residential
Design Codes. Objectives include:
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Appropriate scale to respect the local character and context;
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Minimum apartment sizes based on floor space and number of rooms;
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Safe, healthy environments with good natural light and ventilation;
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Development that creates walkable neighbourhoods with high amenity;
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Green space such as shady trees for outdoor spaces and mature tree retention; and
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Development that enhances local neighbourhoods.
Stage one of Design WA focuses on
design for the built environment (State Planning Policy 7.0), new
residential design codes for apartments (State Planning Policy 7.3
Volume 2), and a design review guide.
The policies will come into effect on May 24, 2019 to ensure a smooth
transition for local governments and
built
environment professionals including architects, developers, planners
and urban designers.
The policies apply to all levels of planning and development, from
large-scale structure planning and major public works to development
applications and subdivision considerations.
Stages two and three of Design WA will focus on precinct planning and
medium density development respectively. For more information, visit
http://www.dplh.wa.gov.au/DesignWA
Comments attributed to
Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Design WA addresses community concerns around higher density
developments and infill throughout Perth.
"By raising the bar for the quality of developments around Perth, I
believe we will see a wider acceptance of apartment living and infill
developments which improve neighbourhoods when done well.
"Good design is not just about appearance, taste and style - it improves
the urban environment, benefits local communities and leaves a positive
legacy for future generations.
"This policy is about learning from some of the mistakes from the past
and moving forward to create more sustainable, vibrant, attractive and
healthy neighbourhoods - a key component of METRONET.
"In conjunction with METRONET, Design WA provides the platform to
accommodate a growing population, close to new and existing public
transport infrastructure and good design will be central to meeting
community needs and expectations now and into the future.
"This addresses many of the issues that concern communities including
walkable neighbourhoods, retaining street trees, providing green open
spaces, ensuring new apartment blocks fit in with their surroundings,
parking and privacy concerns.
"Importantly, Design WA provides reassurance that any future development
has undergone rigorous scrutiny to ensure the best possible outcomes."
Comments attributed to Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister
for Planning John Carey MLA:
"In short, Design WA is about ensuring density is done well.
"The reforms are about creating more liveable apartment
buildings for those choosing to reside in density - and ensuring
better designed buildings for the communities where they are built.
"It also critically sets new benchmarks across local government.
"While some local governments have led the way with their excellent
apartment design rules, others have had significant gaps in their local
planning policies - and as a result, some local governments have
delivered poor apartment building outcomes in their communities.
"Design WA resolve this challenge by ensuring consistent design
benchmarks for developments in all local governments. This is welcome
news also for developers by ensuring a more consistent approach across
the sector."
For more information, visit http://www.dplh.wa.gov.au/DesignWA
--ENDS--
Source: Western Australia Government - www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au
Contact: Minister's office - 6552 5500
External Links: For more information, visit http://www.dplh.wa.gov.au/DesignWA
Recent news by: WA Government