UDIA HOT TOPICS – STRUCTURE PLANNING REFORM & LIVEABLE NEIGHBOURHOODS REVIEW 26 SEPTEMBER 2012

1. UDIA HOT TOPICS – STRUCTURE PLANNING REFORM & LIVEABLE NEIGHBOURHOODS REVIEW 26 SEPTEMBER 2012 PAUL ELLENBROEK PROJECT MANAGER – LIVEABLE NEIGHBOURHOODS REVIEW

2. BACKGROUND • Structure plans - fundamental tool to translate planning strategies and policies into a framework to deliver coordinated land development. • Structure plans - principal implementation tools of the planning system (statutory schemes are the principal control tools). • Town Planning Regulations and Model Scheme Text review identified the need for standardised structure plan scheme provisions and format/content guidance. • Audit of local planning schemes across WA - total of 68 structure plan provisions with little consistency. • Part of the WAPC planning reform agenda to streamline, simplify and track structure planning and achieve consistency in structure plan requirements across WA.

3. STRUCTURE PLAN ISSUES • Hierarchy, format and content inconsistency. • Increasing level of detail/complexity. • Inconsistent use, assessment process & approval timeframes. • Digital data submitted in various formats, with different land uses/zonings not aligned to local planning schemes = Inconsistent implementation & data capture = tracking/monitoring difficulty. • Structure plan reform focus on process and determination timeframe consistency & infrastructure planning integration and coordination.

4. PROCESS • Reference group (inc UDIA) set up. • Consultants engaged to developGuidelines. • Main objectives of Guidelines: • Standardise the scope, format and content of structure plans; • Define the statutory and non-statutory sections of structure plans; • Detail the information required to be provided for each type of structure plan; and, • Encourage pre-lodgment consultation (early resolution of issues, especially infrastructure provision/coordination). • Guidelines support the proposed Planning and Development (General Provisions for Local Planning Schemes) Regulations to standardise local planning scheme provisions to achieve state-wide governance & assessment process consistency.

5. CONSULTATION • Guidelines & Standards released for 3 month public consultation period. • 46 submissions received, approx. 450 comments raised, with general support. • Guidelines & Standards further reviewed & refined to address: • Comments & issues raised in submissions. • DoP statutory & strategic planning teams requirements. • alignment with related DoP projects, policies and work practices. • Guidelines do not address governance, process & technical requirements – role of Regulations & LN review.

6. STRUCTURE PLAN IMPROVEMENTS • Guidelines revised to improve: • Clarity, readability and reduce duplication. • Inclusion of a template to outline format and requirements for the statutory section of structure plans for consistency. • Additional detail in respect to environmental assets. • Alignment with other policies, including use of definitions and terminology for consistency (especially activity centres).

7. STRUCTURE PLAN IMPROVEMENTS • Discourage irrelevant annotations on structure plan maps to ensure clarity and provision of structure plan related data & information only. • Ensure the level of POS detail reflects the type and purpose of the structure plan within the statutory (part 1) and non-statutory (part 2) sections. • Provide use of density ranges and coding plans for increased flexibility. • Emphasise structure plans should not pre-determine subdivision layout - lot configuration, levels & site works.

8. IMPLEMENTATION Released 5/9/12 & commences 5/11/12. Only applies to new structure plans submitted to LG on or after 5/11/12. Replaces WAPC Guidelines for the Preparation of Local Structure Plans for Urban Release Areas, June 1992 and part of Liveable Neighbourhoods, 2007 All technical matters raised in submissions captured & considered in the review of Liveable Neighbourhoods All process & governance matters raised in submissions captured & considered in the Planning and Development (General Provisions for Local Planning Schemes) Regulations Track & monitor structure plans through Urban Development Program

9. LIVEABLE NEIGHBOURHOODS REVIEW • Standard policy review model won’t work for LN review. • LN review model both rigid to withstand pressures & flexible to respond to changing circumstances and requirements. • Cross government & industry involvement & support critical for success. • Focus 1st on identifying & capturing all broad review issues, filtering down to detailed/technical issues last.

10. LIVEABLE NEIGHBOURHOODS REVIEW • Focus on 4 key considerations: • What works = leave it alone! • What works but could work better = adjust. • What doesn’t work at all = overhaul. • What’s not covered = identify, investigate, consult & if agreed, include. • Focus on end product ‘on the ground’ – use leading case studies & best practice examples to demonstrate ‘how to’. • Consider alternate methods & approval paths (form-based codes): • Deemed to comply = approval certainty. • Design principle/performance = developer flexibility & encourages innovative/best practice outcomes. • Revolving review by element - including key stakeholders & experts along the way.

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14. Comments to the LN Review Team at: • LNReview@planning.wa.gov.au PAUL ELLENBROEK PROJECT MANAGER – LIVEABLE NEIGHBOURHOODS REVIEW