Congestion to be kept at bay

Belmont Mayor Phil Marks said he had written to Planning Minister John Day calling for a review of the requirement of just 0.75 of a car bay at dwellings near public transport.

In response, Mr Day cautioned the council after it proposed its own restriction on multiple dwellings.

‘I advised the City that any local planning scheme amendment must be carefully examined and justified in the context of the city’s local planning strategy, with input from all relevant stakeholders and the community,’ he said.

At the February council meeting, Cr Marks encouraged two residents, who also expressed concern about insufficient car parking at new developments, to write to Mr Day.

‘The city’s planning department is currently carrying out a review of the impact of the multi-unit code on the city’s Housing Strategy and will discuss outcomes with the WA Planning Commission,’ Cr Marks told Southern Gazette on Thursday.

‘The city would like to see a more measured approach to multi units under the R Codes which is linked to local housing strategies rather than a blanket R Code approach.’

Mr Day said the parking requirements enabled a greater variety of affordable dwellings, and would reduce car dependency.

‘While R-Codes prescribe minimum parking requirements, developers can provide additional parking bays if they wish,’ he said.

City of Melville chief executive Shayne Silcox said the 0.75 car bay requirement was for small apartments less than 75sq m, and located no more than 800m from a train station or 250m from a high frequency bus route.

‘The ratios are regarded as sufficient but must be understood in conjunction with improved public transport, and unless the State improves public transport provision throughout the metropolitan area parking will become more of a concern for inner city suburbs.’

City of Stirling Mayor Giovanni Italiano said with Perth’s ever-expanding population, the parking provisions would continue to be a concern for his city.

‘Whether it’s families or young couples both working and needing more than one car in their daily lives, these new developments should reflect their needs without spilling out onto residential streets,’ he said.