A MAYLANDS-BASED community group has welcomed the State Government’s reaffirming its commitment to scrap the proposed Guildford Road widening – but is calling on the release of a formal timeline.
Maylands, Bayswater and Mt Lawley residents raised concerns in December last year after receiving letters from the WA Planning Commission (WAPC) detailing plans to widen the road up to 10m to make way for bus queue jumps, cycle lanes and a median strip, which would cut into verges, front yards and buildings.
Planning Minister Rita Saffioti said the Government would “fast-track” the looming Metropolitan Region Scheme amendment from East Parade to Tonkin Highway.
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READ NOW“I have received legal advice that states we must allow the current process to run its course, but I have asked that this be done as quickly as possible,” she said.
“I would like to end the uncertainty for landowners as soon as possible.”
The WAPC will make a formal recommendation to Ms Saffioti and she will then make the final decision on the amendment.
Guildford Road to Ruin founder Graeme Reany said the announcement was positive for the residents of the 300 homes and 59 business owners set to be impacted.
“I’m glad we’ve got an initial response,” he said.
Mr Reany said the group was seeking a formal statement that included processes and a timeline from the Minister or Planning Department.
He said this would allow businesses and residents who had put plans on hold pending the outcome of the amendment to move ahead if they had plans to sell or renovate.
The public comment period was now closed and the hundreds of people who made submissions would be invited to make deputations to the WAPC.