Stock image.
Camera IconStock image. Credit: Supplied/Getty Images

Panel to review development design quality

Staff WriterEastern Reporter

THE State Government announced a Design Review Panel has been appointed to oversee the design quality of major new development proposals.

The announcement coincides with the newly enacted requirements that new apartment developments adhere to Design WA codes to ensure all development is underpinned by good design, from the concept stage through to delivery.

The panel includes 37 experts from the core disciplines of planning, architecture, urban design and landscape architecture, and 13 specialists with expertise in heritage, sustainability, engineering and public health.

It will provide advice to government agencies, decision-makers and proponents, including the WA Planning Commission, Development Assessment Panels, redevelopment authorities, statutory authorities and local governments and will be chaired by the government architect Geoff Warn.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Planning Minister Rita Saffioti said the panel’s establishment was vital to the implementation of Design WA policies and guidelines, placing good design at the heart of all development.

“The community has every right to expect that major developments perform well and can be designed sensitively and in keeping with the locations amenity, heritage and context,” she said.

“Today’s (announcement) will increase confidence and certainty by providing clearly-defined design standards that address critical issues such as parking, privacy and tree retention.”