Town Planning
Town planning coordinates land use and development by balancing economic, social and environment issues. Planning policies, schemes and other statutory processes guide decisions that shape and focus on quality of life for the community.
The Cunderdin Local Planning Strategy, the Cunderdin Local Town Planning Scheme No. 3 and the Residential Design Codes are the main documents that guide development in the Shire.
Development approval is generally required prior to the use of land or construction of a building. In most cases a change of use also requires development approval. A Building Permit is also required for construction or demolition works.
The Planning framework is governed by the Planning and Development Act 2005 and Regulations thereunder, together with State Planning Policies. The Western Australian Planning Commission is the main regulatory authority for town planning who approve scheme amendments, structure plans and subdivision.
Before commencing any development on land within the Shire, landowners and applicants are recommended to contact the Shire's Planner on 9635 2700 to discuss their proposal who will be happy to assist landowners to determine whether formal applications are required and how they can guide the applicant through the process.
Cunderdin Local Planning Strategy & Local Planning Scheme No. 3
The Planning framework is governed by the Cunderdin Local Planning Strategy while the local planning legislation is contained in the Shire of Cunderdin’s Local Planning Scheme No. 3.
The Local Planning Strategy was first adopted in 2006 and is the primary strategic planning tool that sets out long term directions for land use and development in the Shire.
The Local Planning Scheme No. 3 was first adopted in 2007 and is the primary land use development tool that divides the Shire into zones to identify areas for particular uses and identifies land reserved for public purposes. Most importantly, the Scheme controls the types of uses and development allowed in different zones. There are particular controls included for heritage and special control areas. The Scheme Text also sets out the requirements for planning approval, enforcement of the Scheme provisions and non-conforming uses. https://www.dplh.wa.gov.au/cunderdin
Residential Design Codes
The R-Codes are a State Planning Policy (No. 3.1) and provide a comprehensive basis for the control of residential development, including subdivision, throughout Western Australia.
All land zoned Residential have an R-Code allocated that determines the maximum density of development and are generally shown on the Scheme Map. The density code numbers approximately relate to the maximum number of dwelling units permitted on 1 hectare of land (e.g. R5, R15, R20, R40).
The R-Codes have been prepared to provide, via the deemed-to-comply provisions, a straightforward pathway to approval. Where a proposal does not achieve the deemed-to-comply provisions and therefore seeks to apply one or more design principles, the applicant will be required to demonstrate how the proposal meets the objectives of the applicable design principle(s). These types of proposals may also be subject to community consultation. https://www.dplh.wa.gov.au/rcodes
Plan WA - Department of Planning Mapping
The Department of Planning have released their mapping to the public enabling anyone to search a property to determine the zoning, R-Code and relevant State Planning Policies.
Download the Map
Bushfire Regulations
The State Government has recently announced a package of reforms to help protect lives and property against the threat of bushfires throughout Western Australia.
These reforms introduce new requirements for people intending to develop and/or build in bushfire prone areas, including the need to assess a property’s bushfire risk and take additional construction measures to limit the impact of bushfires.
They provide important information on the land use planning requirements if you are planning to develop in a designated bushfire prone area within Western Australia. These designated areas are identified on the map of bush fire prone areas, which is available on the Department of Fire and Emergency Service’s (DFES) website.
Further information about the bushfire reforms and development requirements is available from the Department of Planning at https://www.dplh.wa.gov.au/information-and-services/state-planning/bushfire-planning-reform
Subdivision
The Western Australian Planning Commission is responsible for determining applications for freehold and survey strata subdivisions under the Planning and Development Act 2005 and Strata Titles Act 1985.
The Shire’s role in subdivision is one of a referral agency, together with agencies such as Western Power, Water Corporation, Main Roads and Telstra. The Shire also has a role in clearing conditions of approval when a subdivision is being finalised.
The minimum lot sizes in the R-Codes will determine the subdivision potential of land zoned Residential. The Cunderdin Local Planning Scheme No. 3 specifies minimum lot sizes for all other zoned land.
Generally subdivision of agricultural land is not supported unless it meets the criteria in the Scheme and relevant state planning and development control policies.
Information regarding subdivision, application forms and fees can be found on the https://www.dplh.wa.gov.au/information-and-services/subdivisions,-development-and-property
Extractive Industries
Development approval and a license are required to extractive raw minerals, including gravel and sand from rural properties on a commercial basis (i.e. for profit). Approval is not required for use on the same land it is extracted or for community purposes.
The following links are to the Local Laws and application form. You must also complete a Development Application form and provide plans of the site. If you are unsure as to whether you require approval, please contact the Shire for advice.
Extractive Industries Local Law
Application for an Extractive Industry Licence
Policies
The Shire of Cunderdin has adopted local planning policies to provide additional guidance on the following issues:
Sea Containers
Cunderdin Outbuildings
Cunderdin LPP Dams
Forms
Form 1 - Application for Development Approval
Form 2 - Additional information for Development approval for advertisement
Development Application Checklist
Application for Clearance & Subdivision Approval
Links
Cunderdin Local Planning Strategy
Cunderdin Local Planning Scheme No. 3
Western Australian Planning Commission
Residential Design Codes
Subdivision Information
Landgate Mapping
Planning & Development Act 2005
Contacts
The Shire of Cunderdin employs a Property Assistance, Brooke Davidson, who can be contacted by telephone on 9635 2700 or by email at Brooke.Davidson@cunderdin.wa.gov.au and is available for appointments in the office on Tuesdays.