Local planning schemes are made under Part 5 of the Planning and Development Act 2005, which sets out the general objectives of schemes, the matters which may be addressed and the requirements for review.
Where schemes involve the zoning or classification of land, they are required to reflect the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015. Importantly, there are some sections of the scheme which are 'deemed provisions' which cannot be changed.
Schemes include a variety of zones and accompanying statutory planning provisions which combine to provide for control of land use and development. This combination reflects a set formula of land use possibilities and zoning arrangements, with the intent being that the formula achieves the aims of the Scheme, which itself is derived from the strategic vision of the Local Planning Strategy.
The local planning scheme for the City of Cockburn is known as Town Planning Scheme No.3 (the Scheme) and regulates how land in the City is used and developed. It is comprised of Scheme text and a Map.
The Scheme regulates a number of planning functions including:
- Setting aside land as reserves for public purposes
- Zoning land within the Scheme Area for the purposes defined in the Scheme
- Controlling and guiding land use and development
- Setting out procedures for the assessment and determination of planning applications
- Making provisions for the administration and enforcement of the Scheme
- Addressing other matters set out in the Schedule 7 of the Planning and Development Act 2005.
To view the Scheme text or maps, please see the 'Useful links' section below.
What is a scheme amendment?
From time to time, it becomes necessary to amend the City's Town Planning Scheme No. 3 (TPS No.3). When a change is proposed or made to TPS No.3, it is referred to as a scheme amendment. These changes can be proposed by landowners, State Government agencies or the City itself. The decision to initiate a scheme amendment is however at the discretion of the City (which has no appeal rights), and once initiated the City becomes responsible for progressing a scheme amendment.
Scheme amendments occur for a variety of different reasons including:
- A change in zoning to accommodate development
- A change in the residential density coding to alter residential density
- A change in the scheme's wording to ensure more effective planning
- To implement the strategic vision of the local planning strategy
- To ensure orderly and proper planning.
There are three different types of scheme amendment: basic, standard and complex. The Western Australian Planning Commission has flowcharts which detail the scheme amendment process. For detailed information regarding the scheme amendment process, including types. fees and checklists, please download the Scheme Amendment Information Sheet under Related Documents below.