How we got here
In 2019, the Western Australian Planning Commission resolved to commence Design WA Stage 3 (Medium Density Project) as part of the State Government’s Action Plan for Planning Reform.
Extensive research and analysis found that current medium density development in Perth and wider WA is characterised by:
- a loss of existing established trees and little opportunity for additional tree planting.
- an increase in impermeable surfaces in the form of hardscaping, such as driveways, as well as structures, such as roofs.
- high site coverage with the site primarily taken up by dwelling footprint, garage, and driveways; and
- little opportunity for passive heating and cooling with narrow eaves and poor solar orientation.
The State Government invited constructive feedback on the policy and its implementation from a broad range of stakeholders. In addition, a Medium Density Advisory Group (MDAG) comprising of representatives from a range of peak bodies and other stakeholders, was formed to help define and scope the review of the R-Codes, and provide ongoing expertise throughout.
The proposed amendments to the R-Codes were rigorously tested by designers, land developers, builders, architects and local government.
The public advertising process elicited 225 submissions, with more than 4,000 individual comments on different aspects of the policy. More than half the submissions (53%) came from members of the community.
The amended R-Codes including the new Medium Density Code provisions was scheduled to be gazetted on 1 September 2023 as part of a staged transition to introduce the new standards.
In August 2023 the State Government requested that the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) defer gazettal of the amended policy in consideration of continuing challenges in the housing construction market and to undertake amendments to it to retain current (2021) policy provisions for R30 and R40 coded development. The WAPC considered the Minister’s request and agreed to prepare further amendments.
