Future Planning for the Dunsborough Town Centre: Precinct Structure Plan and Amendment 52

The Minister for Planning has decided on new height limits for the Dunsborough Town Centre.

Lots located along Dunn Bay Road west and around the Naturaliste Terrace roundabout will allowed to be developed to a revised height of 5 storeys. Lots generally along Naturaliste Terrace North and Dunn Bay Road east have been limited to 4 storeys. Properties in this area are currently zoned to a allow a height of 6 storeys, but any new buildings from here on will need to comply with this reduction in height allowances.

This decision comes following the City of Busselton Council’s effort to restrict heights to 3 storeys throughout these areas by adopting a scheme amendment (Amendment 52) in 2022 which was subsequently referred to the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) and in turn the Minister for Planning for consideration and determination in accordance with the Planning and Development Act 2005.

The City has already been actively working with the community to prepare the Dunsborough Precinct Structure Plan (DPSP) and the new Dunsborough Town Centre Design Guidelines to shape any future development in the town centre. Once finalised, these will guide new development to ensure it reflects an agreed and approved look and feel for Dunsborough, including the carefully considered application of these new height requirements. The Draft Dunsborough Precinct Structure Plan will now be considered by the Statutory Planning Committee of the WAPC who may decide to endorse with modifications or refuse it. The City will keep the community informed in regard to this.

The new Dunsborough Town Centre Design Guidelines, once in place, will provide specific guidance to the City and developers on decisions such as building setbacks (both at ground level and for the floors above), colour schemes, building design, finishes, materials and landscaping.

Whilst the Minister’s decision was not in alignment with Council’s request, the City will now work to incorporate these new heights into the DPSP and will shape the way these heights are implemented through the application of the new Dunsborough Town Centre Design Guidelines.

For enquiries relating to this process, please contact the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage on (61) 8 6551 8002 or through https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-planning-lands-and-heritage

To view the changes, please refer to the 'Dunsborough Height Limits Map 2024' on the right-hand side.