Draft City of Albany policy set to guide non-residential development in neighbourhoods

A new City of Albany planning policy aiming to set a consistent standard for non-residential development in residential zones is expected to be advertised for comment in the coming weeks.

The policy would replace the City’s existing local planning policy for consulting rooms, public worship and child care centres, which considers only a limited number of non-residential uses in residential zones.

Other non-residential developments are permitted for consideration within residential zones by the city in line with its local planning scheme but the existing policy does not cover them.

Under the scheme, the development of aged persons’ villages, civic use buildings, community purpose buildings, educational establishments, nursing homes and private recreation buildings can be considered in residential zones.

There are many more uses that can activate residential areas beyond that.

The draft policy, which was endorsed by the council for advertising last week, would provide guidance for these alternative land uses.

Cr Sandie Smith said the planning policy was overdue for revision because of its limited scope.

“There are many more uses that can activate residential areas beyond that,” she said.

“What this policy hopefully will do is not add more red tape but give people more guidance and upfront information about what can and can’t be considered.”

Cr Chris Thomson said the policy recognised people’s rights to quiet enjoyment of their homes while also recognising non-residential uses could make neighbourhoods “better and more convenient to live”.

“Several non-residential land uses are permitted in residential zones already and will be going forward,” he said.

“When approved most of these land uses don’t raise an eyebrow, a few others — not just in Albany, but around Australia — raise the ire of some residents.

“For that reason the policy has provisions which really clarify to help us and the planners in their decision making.”

It is expected the policy will be advertised for comments for three weeks.