A proposed strategy to guide infill across Cottesloe over the next decade has raised alarm bells among some of its councillors who voiced concerns not enough consideration was being given to conserving its quiet suburban streets.
Councillors at a meeting on Tuesday were asked to endorse a draft local planning strategy to guide long-term planning direction for the town over the next 10 to 15 years which incorporated government-set infill targets and planning guidelines.
The council was recommended by its staff to support the plan — prepared by planning firm Hames Sharley — and put it out to advertising, but instead voted to defer a decision after several councillors spoke out against it.
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READ NOWThe more than 200-page plan will eventually be put to the WA Planning Commission for endorsement.
The strategy aims to support future growth in the town and help to meet State Government-set minimum infill dwelling targets which advise the local government area will need 550 new dwellings or 1470 additional people by 2036.
“Engagement for this strategy highlighted the need to balance this growth with the community’s desire to retain existing neighbourhood character,” the strategy said.
The strategy proposes to “investigate the capacity for future urban growth” in three areas including Cottesloe Village, the Mosman Park/Victoria Street Station Precinct and Swanbourne/Grant Street Station Precinct.
“These high amenity areas are identified as most suited to support increased density in future as they are station precincts, activity centres and urban corridors with good access to high frequency public transport,” the draft strategy states.
A map in the report showing streets marked for “future urban investigation” such as the residential area between Mosman Park and Victoria Park stations and Marine Parade, caused hesitation from councillors to support it at Tuesday’s meeting.
Cr Katy Mason, who led the deferral, said the council wanted vibrancy but not in “our quiet neighbourhood streets”, the Post Newspaper reported.
High density should be limited to the waterfront and central business district, she said.
“Infill targets can be easily achieved without a blanket approach,” Cr Mason said.
“It is obvious we need transport-led infill around our station precincts.
“Blanket zoning is overly simplistic and does not cater to the unique nature of Cottesloe.
“No consideration has been given to our tree-lined heritage streets in east and south Cottesloe.”
The council is set to hold more workshops with its planning staff and Hames Sharley before the plan is presented to council again.