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.