Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2010-06-29 Daily Xml

Contents

COPPER COAST DISTRICT COUNCIL

In reply to the Hon. M. PARNELL (27 May 2010).

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister Assisting the Premier in Public Sector Management): I have been provided the following information:

I can confirm that the District Council of Copper Coast has adopted a setback of 5.0 metres for detached dwellings for 'The Dunes' development, Port Hughes along with other development controls relating to protrusions, porticos, bay windows, verandas, porches and landscaping.

The setbacks which applied previously included an 8.0 metre setback for double storey dwellings and 6.0 metre setback for single storey detached dwellings Other controls which continue to apply include design guidelines and an encumbrance.

Council's Environment Advisory Committee considered a Report from Connor Holmes, Development Consultants and an Officer's report at its meeting held on 26 May 2010. The consultants had been engaged to undertake a review of the subdivision design and the planning controls to assist in meeting market demands. Feedback from builders, developers and purchasers suggested the subdivision allotment sizes were not large enough to accommodate the popular or common building designs.

The setback controls applying in a number of other Council areas were considered by Council as part of the investigations and similar setback controls have now been adopted by the Council.

Council officers have the authority to approve development with reduced setbacks provided the development is not seriously at variance with the Development Plan, provided the development on balance meets the relevant provisions of the Development Plan and each application is assessed on its individual merits.

Compliance with setbacks is not a mandatory requirement for development applications; rather it is one matter to be taken into consideration by Council along with all other relevant Development Plan provisions.

There is no justification for removing the Council's statutory development responsibilities and placing them with the Development Assessment Commission.