City to vote on foreshore plan

The state government's plan for the Perth foreshore is expected to receive general support from the City of Perth at tonight's council meeting, despite a report from its planning committee criticising elements of the project.

In its report to council, the planning committee said the proposed landmark building at Barrack Square was 'excessively large', and more public open space needed to be retained on Esplanade Reserve.

It also said commercial buildings on the northeast and southeast corners of the development site were too tall, and view corridors from Howard Street and Sherwood Court needed to be protected.

Councillor Rob Butler, who sits on the council's planning committee, said small changes had been made to the report following discussions with the city's architect, planning administrators and other councillors, including the Lord Mayor.

Among the changes was the decision to reinstate the phrase 'generally supports the development' in the introduction to the committee's comments.

Councillor Janet Davidson said she expected several changes to the report at tonight's meeting, although Councillor Judy McEvoy said she expected the item would be passed.

While five votes are usually required on an item, only four will be needed tonight, with Deputy Lord Mayor Michael Sutherland away in Indonesia.

Council will also vote on a proposal to lease 500 square metres of land from the state government for a giant observation wheel on the foreshore.