Fremantle: alternative housing plan approved

FREMANTLE’S planning policy ‘Freo Alternative-Big Thinking about Small Housing’ has been approved by the State Government.

Last year the City of Fremantle voted to change their local planning scheme, which included six control areas throughout sections of White Gum Valley, Hilton, O’Connor, Beaconsfield and Fremantle with provisions for small infill development as an alternative to single lot division.

Provisions include a maximum of three dwellings on lots of 750 square metres or less, a minimum of 70 per cent open space and at least one large tree to be planted or retained for each dwelling.

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said he hoped the policy would be a demonstration of how local governments could work with the community on the contentious issue of infill development.

“Because of the widespread concern about the impact of infill development in our suburbs, we wanted to create a shared community vision of the future of housing in Fremantle,” he said.

“At the heart of the Freo Alternative is housing that is smaller, more sustainable and surrounded by open, green space, you could say this is housing that better meets the needs of residents in the 21st century.”

REIWA President Damian Collins said this was a positive step in the right direction for Fremantle, one that would go a long way in helping to address the issues of housing affordability and diversity in the area.

“These amendments showcase how medium density housing can be applied effectively in well-established suburbs, without negatively impacting on the suburb’s character, charm and appeal,” he said.

“The issue of housing affordability and diversity in WA remains pertinent and a coordinated approach from all levels of government is required to be able to address this.”