WA PC supports seven-storey complex after warning a neighbouring complex could set an ‘undesirable precedent’

The WA Planning Commission has stunned Sorrento locals after throwing its support behind plans for an $80 million, seven-storey apartment block planned in an area zoned for small lot homes.

The complex, developed by Perth-based Locus Property, will on Wednesday seek approval from the WA Planning Commission’s Statutory Planning Committee for its plans for an 83-apartment, seven-storey complex.

The WAPC has supported the bid, despite assuring locals 2½ years ago that there would be no “undesirable precedent” stemming from its then-decision to support the eight-storey Ora development on a neighbouring 5777sqm block — which was zoned for five storeys.

It said at the time, in November 2022, it said there were no other “appropriately zoned blocks of land” in the vicinity that could be developed to a similar height.

Locals are now angry the WAPC has suddenly flipped its stance, with the body recommending that authorities use its discretion to support the new plans for a seven-storey apartment complex, despite being on land zoned “small lot residential”.

The plans are for a smaller block of land — a 4371sqm block at 3 Delos Way — which faces single residential homes.

The WAPC claimed its submission that the planning framework was outdated, due to expire in October and that it had not yet decided on a request from the local council to extend the framework for another three years.

It submission acknowledged the land was currently zoned for single residential housing types, which encourages smaller home with “the addition of duplex dwellings where lot size permits”.

“Whilst it is acknowledged the proposal is in some regards inconsistent with the structure plan, the planning framework is out of date and, as it relates to the subject site, is not conducive to modern planning outcomes,” it said in its submission.

“The scale and density of the project is considered appropriate for the future context of the area and its role in creating a gateway statement for Hillarys Boat Harbour.

“The proposed development will meet the needs of an increasing number of ‘empty-nesters’ looking to downsize into alternative, smaller dwelling types in their local area.

“The design proposes a more urban form than the surrounding low-density housing, whilst also being sympathetic to the neighbouring residences to the south and east through the provision of significantly greater setbacks than required under the planning framework in conjunction with generous areas of landscaping.”

The plans include 900sqm of external communal facilities, including a pool and associated outdoor space, as well as internal amenity rooms such as a dining area, lounge, and gym, alongside 2257sqm of publicly accessible landscaped gardens.

Additionally, there will be 141 resident bays in the basement carpark.

When the application came before the City of Joondalup earlier this year, the council claimed it did not align with the objectives of the Hillarys Structure Plan and that its height and density were inconsistent with the local area.

Mayor Albert Jacob led the council’s unanimous decision to not support the proposal.

“Joondalup council has made decisions for many years to actively incentivise high-rise development in the Joondalup CBD, which is unusual for a lot of other councils,” Mr Jacob said earlier this year.

“We have sought to honestly and openly create expectations for medium and high-rise for different points around our city . . . but here we have residents who bought on a very clear understanding of a three-storey limit, and they have an application which significantly exceeds that.”

Of the 539 submissions received during the public consultation, 76.2 per cent were opposed, 4.7 per cent were neutral, and 19.1 per cent were supportive.