Recently approved changes to Local Planning Schemes regulations will come into effect on Monday 19 October, removing the need for a development application (DA) for a range of different works.
WA Planning Minister John Day said there are currently more than 150 different local planning schemes in the state and the changes will give WA a consistent approach to planning.
“This is a major reform that, for the first time, will introduce a consistent planning process across all schemes,” Day said.
“These initiatives are a key part of the most comprehensive planning reform ever undertaken in WA,” he said.
The new regulations will apply to works big and small, with everything from installing a patio to the construction of a single detached house to be made easier.
“In many cases the new regulations will save residents up to 60 days when installing a planning compliant patio, carport or granny flat as they remove the need for a development application to be submitted to a local government,” Day said.
“Likewise, renovating or constructing a new planning compliant single house will no longer require approval, and small to medium-sized businesses won't have to seek approval to change a property from one permitted use to another.”
Real Estate Institute of Western Australia president David Airey said the changes will be welcomed, especially by builders who needed to get duplicated approvals to build a compliant house on residential zoned land.
“It has never been very practical to get two approvals for the one house and this has added a lot of time to the process,” Airey said
“Thankfully, the Minister has overseen a common-sense change that now means a planning-compliant single house will no longer require approval,” he said.
