New policy to minimise Perth's urban sprawl

New policy measures to minimise Perth's urban sprawl were announced today by Planning Minister David Smith.

"The metropolitan region residential density policy has been released in draft form for public comment until March 31," Mr Smith said.

"The policy supports the Government's Metroplan strategy which projects that 20 per cent of Perth's new housing needs can be met by better land use in established suburbs.

"Metroplan estimates that 80,000 new homes can be built in established areas and 320,000 homes in new areas to accommodate Perth's projected growth to 2021."

Mr Smith said the policy promoted a greater range of housing types in each locality and included provision for medium density homes in inner suburbs.

Higher density development would be encouraged near services, facilities and public transport.

"The housing density policy provides a strategic framework for the metropolitan region as a whole in which each local authority follows the same direction," Mr Smith said.

"This does not mean redevelopment by the demolition of existing houses.  The policy supports retention and improvement."

Mr Smith said the policy would be implemented by local authorities through their town planning schemes and by the subdivision approval process controlled by the State Planning Commission.

The process of examining planning schemes at five-yearly intervals would provide an opportunity to assess residential density provisions.

The policy and an accompanying background report was available from the Department of Planning and Urban Development, 469 Wellington Street, Perth.