Ellenbrook set to get smaller blocks

The WA Planning Commission has approved LWP Property Group’s amended development plan to create smaller lots near the Ellenbrook town centre.

This means a reduction of a third from the previous minimum green title lot size of 120sq m.

LWP has now applied to the City of Swan to progress the subdivision plan for the area and expects an approval next year.

At this point, LWP will be able to create the lots and construction of the two to three-storey homes will follow.

The final hurdle will be getting the development application for the buildings through the City of Swan.

When the council voted on the density increase in July, the proposal passed with eight out of 13 councillors voting in favour.

But some of those were eager to look over the final details when it returned to them at the development application stage.

Only eight lots will be 80sqm and two will be 89sqm out of the 290 dwellings planned in Ellenbrook’s Reveley precinct.

Project manager Megan Buckland said the proposed new homes were aimed at home buyers who wanted the convenience of town centre living without the cost of strata fees.

“The concept is to create an attractive two-bedroom home with the look and feel of a two-storey terrace inclusive of lock-up garages,” she said.

“The location of these lots is critical… LWP is only looking at sites in the Ellenbrook town centre.”

The lot and concept house designs were prepared after study tours of development projects in Queensland and South Australia, where small lot housing has already been built.

RobertsDay town planning director Tim Trefry said the tours were invaluable in determining the most appropriate lot dimensions and house layouts for Ellenbrook.

“The 80sqm lot is part of a range of urban lot and housing types that will be available in the Ellenbrook town centre,” he said.

“This product will cater for a range of demographics and assist in creating a vibrant and successful town centre.”

Swan Mayor Mick Wainwright said the council would determine how the small-lot trial would be assessed when it returned to planning officers.

“We’ll see what happens during that trial and see what the results are,” he said.