FAQs

In 2020, Officers reviewed a number of local planning policies including LPP 1.5. Officers considered whether the objectives of the existing policy, to retain the amenity of coastal reserves and limit the impact of built form on the streetscape of Geographe Bay Rd, are being achieved. 

The review revealed little consistency in front and rear setbacks in the policy area (except where other planning controls were applied). Other elements of the policy when reviewed proved redundant or could be address through other strategies, such as the City's Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP). You can read more about the review in the 11 November 2020 Ordinary Council Meeting minutes. 

Following this review, the policy has been amended and the draft is the subject of this consultation. In summary, the purpose of proposed changes to the policy is to: 

• Ensure the purpose of the policy is relevant and appropriate.
• Introduce interpretations for clarification.
• Remove all rear setback provisions.
• Clarify that the policy applies to corner lots.
• Introduce a provision that allows for privacy screening.
• Change of title to reflect narrower scope (see proposed policy area here). 

The area that is proposed to be retained within the Policy Area was selected due to the generally narrow coastal and road reserves and the proximity of the dual path to the lot boundaries. In other coastal areas, however, relatively wide verges and/or foreshore reserves significantly reduce the potential for residential buildings to be visually dominant. 

Should the proposed policy be adopted, not a lot will change for you:

• You will be able to install privacy screening to your balcony, provided it is up to 75% obscure to restrict views into the neighbouring property (under the current policy, privacy screening was not allowed).
• Is your lot a corner lot? Under the proposed policy, your frontage will be considered to be Geographe Bay Rd, and so, setbacks apply accordingly.

The following diagrams demonstrate how the proposed policy will be applied using two examples; a double storey house (Example A) and a single storey house (Example B). 

Please note, these are examples only. They show a ‘status quo’ approach to applying the policy. If you are looking to develop your lot, your particular circumstances might be different based on the design of your development. 

EXAMPLE A: 

EXAMPLE B:

Should the proposed policy be adopted, the following will change for you:

• The policy will no longer be applied to you;
• You will be able to install privacy screening to your balcony, provided it is up to 75% obscure to restrict views into the neighbouring property (under the current policy, privacy screening was not allowed);
• The setbacks in the R-Codes will apply when developing your lot, you no longer have a 6m setback at ground floor level; and
• You no longer have to apply an additional 3m setback to the second storey.

The following diagram demonstrates the above changes.

Please note, this is an example only. It shows a ‘status quo’ approach to applying the R-Codes. If you are looking to develop your lot, your particular circumstances might be different based on the design of your development.

EXAMPLE C: