- State Design Review Panel Manual updated with clearer guidance for major development proposals
- New Local Government Design Review Manual to deliver greater transparency and consistency at local government level
- Reforms ensure design review continues to be considered in development assessment for major and complex projects
New and updated manuals for design review have now been released to streamline and simplify assessments and ensure good design is central to all major developments.
The Western Australian Planning Commission's revised State Design Review Panel Manual and a new, standalone Local Government Design Review Manual promote best practice and provide clearer guidance in the design review process for both applicants and decision-makers.
The State Design Review Panel, chaired by the Government Architect and comprised of built environment design professionals, provides advice on the design quality of major development proposals lodged for assessment.
Since 2020, the panel has advised on more than $12.5 billion worth of major development applications.
The dedicated Local Government Design Review Manual will bring greater consistency and efficiency to design review practice across the local government sector.
The new resource outlines key aspects of the process, including design review thresholds, roles and responsibilities, eligibility criteria, and standardised deliberation and reporting templates.
There are currently more than 25 Local Government Design Review Panels across the State, providing advice on more than 250 proposals every year.
The new and updated guides will also drive efficiency by recommending reducing reporting timeframes, with State panels now required to complete their reports within 10 days - down from 14 - and a recommended seven-day turnaround for local government panels, reduced from 10 days.
Changes to these important resources follow feedback from local governments and industry. Both manuals are available online at www.planning.wa.gov.au/how-does-planning-work/wa-planning-manual
As stated by Planning and Lands Minister John Carey:
"Our government has led the nation on cutting red tape in the planning system to boost housing supply, and these new manuals demonstrate how we continue to look at ways to modernise the planning process.
"The State and local government design review panels play a key role in the assessment of major development proposals.
"We know embedding design review early in the pre-lodgement process results in greater clarity for applicants and a better outcome for the neighbouring community."
