R20 subdivision concession to remain

Planning Minister John Day today gave property owners certainty over their investment by removing a clause that would have prohibited the subdivision of blocks between 900 sq.m and 1,000 sq.m for grouped dwellings.

An amendment to the Residential Design Codes, which was gazetted today, would allow 450 sq.m lots for grouped dwellings in areas coded R20 as at October 4, 2002 to continue. Grouped dwellings included town houses and duplexes.

"The concession was due to be phased out on April 30 and, by extending the concession indefinitely, I have retained the status quo before the new restriction was mooted by the former government in April 2008," Mr Day said.

"This meant that any owners of properties between 900 sq.m and 1,000 sq.m would not have been able to subdivide for grouped dwellings if they had not gained approval by April 30.  

"A number of members of Parliament, landowners, real estate agents and community members expressed concern to me about the phasing out of this concession and the loss of development opportunity.

"There seemed to be a general expectation that this subdivision right would remain in the long term.

"A large majority of these blocks are in older inner suburbs where we should be encouraging sensible infill development that can assist in better managing the development of our city."

The Minister said the purpose of the codes was to provide a comprehensive basis for the control, through local government, of residential development in Western Australia.