FAQs
Can I obtain more information about the Proposal?
Yes. Large scale site plans, plans, elevations and other relevant information is available for public viewing at
the Administration and Civic Centre, 244 Vincent Street (cnr Loftus Street), Leederville between 8.00am and
5.00pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) or at the Library and Local History Centre during opening
hours.
You may also contact the Planning Officer, whose name appears on the consultation letter.
What should my submission say?
Your submission should clearly state the reasons why you object to, or support the development proposal and
should relate directly to the variations proposed by the development to the standards of the Scheme, the
Codes or any relevant planning policies as identified in the referral letter. Typical variations that may arise
include privacy; overshadowing; height, bulk and scale; streetscape and character; and car parking.
A good submission is:
- Brief and to the point: If your submission needs to be lengthy because of the issues involved or a
number of grounds for objection, then it is a good idea to include a single page summary sheet for easy
reference.
- Supported by reason and facts: Take the time to gather the facts. Talk to the Planning Officer who is
dealing with the application prior to writing your submission and make sure that you understand what is
proposed. Base your submission on the facts, not on hearsay. Once you are sure of the facts, prepare
your submission based on how the proposal will affect you and the enjoyment of your property.
As the responsible planning authority, the City is not authorised to consider non-planning matters. Therefore,
submissions which are based on civil or non-planning matters will not be considered. Examples of such
matters include possible impact on property values, vistas or dividing fences.
What if I am satisfied with the proposed development application? Do I have to make a submission?
No. You should judge whether or not the proposal will affect you. This may involve some discussion with the
Planning Officer handling the application. If you are satisfied with the proposed development, there is no need
to make a submission (however, you may wish to do so). In any case, a Planning Officer will make an
assessment of the proposal. This includes matters such as overshadowing, privacy, noise, traffic and building
design.
What will happen to my submission?
Your submission, along with others received, will be considered as part of an overall assessment. In some
cases the concerns raised in submissions may be forwarded to the applicant for their response (your personal
details will not be disclosed). Sometimes this leads to a redesign of the development.
The submissions received form part of the assessment of an application and must be balanced with the City's
statutory obligations.
The City is obliged to determine a development application within 60 days. Given this timeframe, it is not
usually possible to have a second community consultation period for a redesigned development application.
However, if you make a submission and elect to be kept informed on the Community Consultation Form, the
contact officer will advise you if and when the matter is to be determined by Council. You are welcome to
attend the Council meeting and may wish to take the opportunity to address Council on the development
application during public question time, where you have the opportunity to speak for up to 3 minutes.
You may
also wish to contact the Mayor or Councillors by email or telephone. Council member contact details available
on our website, at this link: http://www.vincent.wa.gov.au/Your_Council/About_Your_Mayor_Councillors
You can also contact the Planning Officer handling the application for information on any changes to the
proposed development following on the community consultation process.
Will the applicant or anyone else know that I have made a submission?
The Council has a policy relating to Privacy Management and will not disclose names and other personal
information to a third party, without your prior consent. The Council is subject to the Freedom of Information
laws and does not publish the names or addresses of those who make submissions. However, in some
circumstances the applicant may be advised of the source and issues raised in the submissions to enable
them to resolve any problems raised. You will be advised in such cases.
Should I sign a petition?
You may find that someone has started a petition to object or support a development proposal. Someone may
also ask you to sign a proforma letter (this is a standard letter signed by various people). The City will consider
any petitions or letters which are received. However, an individual letter about how the proposal will affect you
gives the City a much clearer picture of the likely effects.
Can a decision be appealed?
Once a decision has been made, the applicant can appeal that decision or any element of the decision to the
State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) if they are dissatisfied with the outcome.
Third party participation in planning appeals
Generally there are no third party appeal rights in relation to planning decisions in Western Australia, however,
in certain circumstances it may be possible for a third party to participate in a planning appeal. The usual way
is for a third party to provide a witness statement to the City and, if required, to give evidence at the hearing.
In certain circumstances (e.g. a legal or some other direct, material or special interest), the SAT may allow a
third party who has a sufficient interest in a matter to make a submission – it should be noted that generally, it
is not sufficient that the third party holds genuine and strong views or has taken an active interest in relation to
the matter even when the third party is a body such as a community group or association. A third party who
wishes to make a submission should write a letter to the SAT, to explain their position.
Further information may be obtained by visiting the SAT website www.sat.justice.wa.gov.au or by telephoning
(08) 9219 3111.