Planning minister Rita Saffioti has stepped in to decide on Ruah Community Services’ proposed relocation in Northbridge after the application was refused by City of Perth.
Planning minister Rita Saffioti has stepped in to decide on Ruah Community Services’ proposed relocation in Northbridge after the application was refused by City of Perth.
The community services provider lodged an application to the State Administrative Tribunal last week over City of Perth council’s refusal of its proposed relocation to a Northbridge educational facility.
However, the scheduled SAT hearing for this morning was vacated following planning minister Rita Saffioti’s intervention.
Ms Saffioti said in Parliament yesterday that Ruah had written her a letter asking to call in the application and determine the change of use proposal.
“I want to report today that I have agreed to determine the change of use application for that centre,” she said.
“We know that the issues surrounding homelessness are difficult, and they are difficult to manage throughout the community.
“However, it is important that we stay strong and make decisions that benefit the entire community, and in particular those who are at risk and who need the services.
“Without this decision, and without this process, not only would the drop-in centre for the homeless be impacted, but also the application and proposal to build a seven-storey new dedicated facility for family and domestic violence.”
Ruah applied to move to a two-storey building, currently used as an education facility by the Skills Institute of Australia, on 247-249 James Street.
In April, the state government’s City of Perth Local Development Assessment Panel approved Ruah’s proposal to build a $15 million, seven-storey Centre for Women and Children on the intersection of Shenton and John streets, Northbridge.
Its existing single-storey outreach centre on the site will be demolished to make way for the Centre for Women and Children.
Ruah then proposed to move its outreach centre to a two-storey building, currently used as an education facility by the Skills Institute of Australia, on 247-249 James Street.
The relocated centre would provide services for people experiencing homelessness, including linking to accommodation and specialist services, alcohol and other drug support, mental health and legal services, and emergency relief and light food.
City of Perth general manager, planning and economic development, Dale Page recommended the council approve to change the use of the James Street building from education to community, for Ruah to move into the facility.
However, councillors refused the proposed change of use at a council meeting last month, after reviewing the 71 submissions from the public with 64 objecting to Ruah's relocation.
"Proposed use is inconsistent with the statement of intent for the Northbridge precinct to provide a diverse, interesting and dynamic inner-city precinct that will be promoted as an attractive destination for the local population and interstate and overseas visitors," the council resolution said.
"The proposal does not adequately address community concern relating an increase in antisocial behaviour, a reduction in public safety, loss of residential amenity and an adverse impact on business."
Ruah chief executive Debra Zanella previously said the exact date for the demolition of the current outreach centre on Shenton Street was yet to be determined but could potentially occur as early as August.