What is Planning?
What is Planning?
Planning in Western Australia is the system coordinating land use and development to balance economic, social, and environmental needs.
Planning involves strategic big-picture goals and statutory day-to-day decisions on applications such as subdivisions and developments. The planning system manages land by overseeing the review, approval, and monitoring of schemes, policies, and applications to ensure coordinated and sustainable development.
What are the two main types of Planning?
Effective planning is essential for shaping the future of our regions and communities. There are two primary types of planning that work together to achieve this goal:
- Strategic Planning: Sets long-term vision for regions and the state, making sure land is available for future needs (housing, business, conservation) and guiding future development.
- Statutory Planning: The practical application of laws, involving decisions on specific development applications (like building a new house or subdividing land) and adhering to planning schemes.
What legislations guide planning decisions?
The Planning and Development Act 2005 is the primary legislation establishing the framework for land use planning and development control across Western Australia. The hierarchy of legislation in the planning framework is structured to provide a clear order of authority and guidance, and typically includes State Planning Policies, Development Control Policies and Guidelines, Structure Plans and Local Development Plans, Local Planning Schemes and Local Planning Policies. These laws establish rules and policies for land use and development to ensure that planning decisions are consistent, equitable, sustainable, and responsive to community needs at both the state and regional levels.
Development Application Roadmap
Development Application Assessment Process for Development Applications determined by the City (excludes Development Assessment Panel and State Development Assessment Unit applications)
Application Received
The applicant lodges a development application, including all required supporting information, via the City’s email: city@busselton.wa.gov.au. Please refer to the Planning Forms and Checklists available for more information regarding the application requirements.
Pre‑Application Check
Once submitted, and in accordance with the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015, the City has seven days to review the application to determine whether the information provided is sufficient for the application to be accepted.
Please note this review is not an assessment of the proposal’s merit or an indication of whether it will be supported.
As part of this process, the City may issue the applicant with a Request for Additional Information.
Request for Payment
Once all required information has been received to the satisfaction of the City, a Request for Payment will be issued by the Planning Administration team. This will be emailed to the applicant using the email address listed on the application form (unless otherwise specified).
Accepted for Assessment
The processing time of a development application will only start once the Request for Payment has been paid.
Allocation to a Planner
Applications are generally allocated to Planning Officers in the order in which they are accepted.
Assessment Commenced
A Planning Officer will assess the proposal in accordance with the City’s Local Planning Scheme No. 21, relevant local planning policies, and all applicable legislation, taking into account agency comments and/or neighbour submissions.
Advertising (including Agency Referrals & Consultation)
Where required, the City will refer the application to external agencies (e.g. Heritage Council, Main Roads) for comment. Under the Regulations, external agencies have 42 days to respond.
Decision Issued
The application will be determined generally under Delegated Authority by planning staff acting in accordance with the City’s relevant delegations. In some instances, applications may be determined by the Council. Please refer to the Delegation of Authority Register for more information.
Notification of Decision
Both the applicant and any submitters who lodge a submission during the consultation period will be notified of the City’s decision to either approve or refuse the application.
Timeframes for Development Applications
The time taken to assess a development application will vary depending on the complexity and nature of the proposal.
The City will endeavour to determine applications within the statutory timeframes set out in the Regulations, as follows:
- Within 60 days where no public advertising or agency referrals are required; or
- Within 90 days where public advertising or agency referrals are required.