Planning investigation areas

The Perth and Peel @ 3.5million planning frameworks identified 15 areas where further detailed planning was required to determine whether any change to current land use and/or zonings was appropriate. 

Decisions were made on the future land uses for 13 of the 15 Planning Investigation Areas (PIAs) in September 2022. Those decisions followed extensive investigations by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, on behalf of the Western Australian Planning Commission, and in conjunction with a range of other State Government agencies. 

Additional investigations into the future use of land in the final two PIAs – the Jandakot/Treeby, and the North Ballajura (Hepburn Avenue - East) PIAs have been concluded.

Decisions on the future use of land in each of the 15 PIAs are summarised below.

Potential for up to 76,000 new homes with resolution of Planning Investigation Areas

Why do we need increased density and infill development?

The Perth and Peel regions now stretch more than 150 kilometres from Two Rocks in the north to Bouvard in the south.

In 2010, Directions 2031 and Beyond proposed limiting Perth and Peel’s unsustainable urban sprawl by creating a consolidated and connected city and redressing the balance between infill and greenfield development to 47 and 53 per cent respectively. Perth and Peel@3.5million  provides clear guidance on how this infill will be achieved through a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to land use and infrastructure provision.

Of the 800,000 new homes needed for our growth, almost half – at least 380,000 or 47 per cent – will be provided through increased density around transport hubs, including the new METRONET station precincts and activity centres and within existing suburbs in the Central sub-region.

Does every local government have an infill target of 47 per cent?

The infill target of 47 per cent covers all of the Perth and Peel region to the year 2050. As the Central Sub-region is largely developed, future development for these local governments will be infill, offsetting other sub-regions. Outside of the Central Sub-region, not all infill targets for local governments are 47 per cent, with some being higher and others being lower. 

Will the frameworks affect housing affordability?

The frameworks aim to create thriving new communities and revitalise existing ones, particularly around key transport hubs including the new METRONET stations and major transport corridors. It is expected that this will result in greater housing diversity and choices that reflect the changing and evolving needs and aspirations of a modern community. 

Greater housing diversity may result in improved housing affordability due to the broader range of residential products available. More choice in housing types will also allow an ageing population affordable options to remain in the community they love as they downsize and allow new homeowners to buy within their local area. Increased infill development should result in more people living closer to where they work, cutting commuting times and other costs associated with living on the urban fringe.

Can I appeal against a decision in the frameworks?

There is no appeal process for any of the frameworks’ proposals.

However, the frameworks are not static documents. They will be monitored continuously and reviewed to ensure they remain contemporary and responsive to Government priorities and community need.

What do these terms mean?

1. Urban expansion - land suitable for urban development as previously identified in planning studies, or which represents the logical expansion of an existing urban area.
2. Urban/industrial investigation – land that may be suitable for urban or industrial development but requires further investigation to determine its suitability.
3. Planning investigation – land that will be subject to further investigation to consider its suitability for development.
4. Open space investigation – land that may be suitable for open space purposes but requires further investigation to determine its suitability.

What happens next?

These are long-term, strategic plans and do not automatically change the existing zonings and/or reservations of land, or allow for new land use. 

They are the next step in the ongoing process of refining and detailing planning proposals for Perth and Peel.

Each landowner will have different intentions for their landholdings, and the capacity of servicing agencies and local governments will guide the timing around delivery of the proposals. Future development is expected to be undertaken sequentially as logical extensions to existing development and an adequate supply of land will be continuously available.

State and local government planning bodies need to review and refine the urban form shown in their planning schemes and strategies, and maintain the spirit and intent of the Perth and Peel@3.5million frameworks and these investigation outcomes through their planning decisions.

Where can I find out more information?

Queries can be directed to info@dplh.wa.gov.au.