Not just catering for four-by-twos

The site, at 63 Mulligan Drive, was identified as surplus to the needs of the Department of Education and Training in 2007.

In 2010, the Planning Minister approved the zoning of the site to urban development and the school buildings were demolished in 2011.

The two plans, which can be viewed on the City of Joondalup's website from May 14, will create the planning framework to guide future development of the site.

"We are making accommodation available for a range of people, as opposed to the majority of the accommodation in the suburb at the moment, and surrounding suburbs, which is usually four-bedroom, two-bathroom," Australand development director Justin Crooks said.

The draft structure plan provides about 126 dwellings with densities from R40 to R80, accommodating single houses, studio dwellings and apartments with one, two and three bedrooms and an option for five ancillary dwellings.

The proposed development would also incorporate 25 per cent (1.012ha) of public open space, which includes a tree preservation zone on the southern boundary, with a 12m setback to the two-storey dwellings.

At the April 14 council briefing, Roberts Day partner Deon White said the one-storey buildings would line the perimeter of the development, two-storey on the southern boundary and in the centre of the site and the small number of three-storey buildings would also be in the centre.

Mr Crooks said extensive community consultation was undertaken before creating the structure plan, including an open day at Warwick Leisure Centre, a website and dedicated Facebook page, letterbox drop and a working group made up of 12 members of the public.

He said it was a "fully integrated development", with Australand taking the role of builder, designer and architect and undertaking the civil works, which would make for faster delivery of the project.

At the April 21 meeting, Mayor Troy Pickard moved an amendment to request the applicant consider installing "sculptural play elements, picnic, barbecue and shelter facilities in Cockman Park, instead of within the structure plan area".

He said additional parking was proposed next to Cockman Park, which would cater for any increase in traffic from visitors.

Cr John Chester said occupants of the new development would still have direct access to the park and the whole community could share the facilities.

Cr Brian Corr said it could also help to break down barriers between residents already in the area and new residents in the development.