New panel to assess major developments in WA

The inaugural State Design Review Panel has been appointed to oversee the design quality of major new development proposals in Western Australia.

The state government said a pool of 50 experts will provide independent advice on the design quality of major development proposals, as the gazettal of the first tranche of the state government's new Design WA policy occurs today.

“From today, new apartment developments need to adhere to Design WA codes to ensure all development is underpinned by good design, from the concept stage through to delivery,” it said.

“It uses a performance-based approach to planning and design and is founded on 10 design principles including local character and context, sustainability, tree retention and amenity.”

The design review panel comprises 37 experts from the core disciplines of planning, architecture, urban design and landscape architecture, and 13 specialists with expertise in heritage, sustainability, engineering and public health.

The panel will provide advice to government agencies, decision-makers and proponents, including the WA Planning Commission, Development Assessment Panels, redevelopment authorities, statutory authorities and local governments.

It will be chaired by government architect Geoff Warn.

Planning Minister Rita Saffioti said the community wanted developments that fitted in with their surroundings and were vibrant and sustainable.

"Today's gazettal will increase confidence and certainty by providing clearly defined design standards that address critical issues such as parking, privacy and tree retention,” she said.

"The community has every right to expect that major developments perform well and can be designed sensitively and in keeping with the locations amenity, heritage and context.”