Labor’s high-rise housing fix in Cambridge slammed by deputy mayor for lack of transparency with community

New changes to density rules in the Town of Cambridge could have buildings reaching up to nine storeys high as part of a response to meet State Government infill and housing targets. The town is currently seeking feedback on its new draft Local Planning Scheme No. 2, which will become the comprehensive guidelines for the town’s future and development. The new scheme has already been approved by Planning and Lands John Carey Minister, subject to key density changes for designated activity centres and urban corridors. This includes two areas along the Cambridge Street corridor which are currently zoned as residential and allow up to two to three storeys. The State’s modifications propose to change that zoning and allow buildings up to nine storeys tall in some areas. This would also apply to key activity centres in Floreat, West Leederville and Wembley. Height limits for much of the land in these centres are currently capped at four stories or zoned under “mixed use”. However, the modifications would re-code these strategic precincts as R-AC0, allowing for greater building height, plot ratio and residential density. Other changes include the site of the popular Empire Village Shopping Centre on The Boulevard being able to rise to seven storeys and the former Newman Junior College site to four storeys. During Tuesday’s council meeting, deputy mayor Ben Mayes hit out at the revisions, which he called disappointing because they were made without asking locals. “What’s disappointing about the Minister’s decision to recommend up-coding large swathes of the town with a stroke of a pen is that it was done behind closed doors with no transparency to the community,” Cr Mayes said. Cr Mayes pushed for the council to submit a Freedom of Information request to attain documents from the WA Planning Commission meeting in June where the scheme modifications were included. “The public deserves to know what was discussed at the confidential meeting of the WAPC,” he said. Local planning schemes form the basis of all planning decisions made by the town by outlining the zoning of land and its corresponding development entitlements. The town has followed the same local planning scheme since it was created in 1998, but was overdue for a refresh to fit in with the State Government blueprint for accommodating 3.5 million people in Perth by 2050, which specifically asks for more housing density in inner-city suburbs. Mayor Gary Mack said the new scheme would become one of the most important tools to guide the future of Cambridge’s neighbourhoods. He encouraged business owners to take the time to review the proposed changes and have their say. “We want to hear from as many people as possible — whether you own property, run a business, or simply care about the future character of your local area,” he said. “Take the time to look at the draft, share your feedback, or come along to one of our drop-in sessions. Your input will help us plan a more connected Cambridge for generations to come.” The survey is currently out for comment, ending on January 30. For more information, visit the town’s website here.