Updated manuals for design review of major developments have been released in Western Australia, promising a more streamlined, consistent and design-led approach across state and local government planning systems.
The Western Australian Planning Commission has revised the State Design Review Panel Manual and introduced a new Local Government Design Review Manual, aimed at embedding good design at the core of assessment processes for complex and large-scale developments.
The State Design Review Panel, chaired by the Government Architect and comprising senior built environment professionals, has reviewed over $12.5 billion in major development proposals since its establishment in 2020.
The updated manual clarifies the panel’s role, guidance for applicants, and procedures, with a key reform being the reduction of report turnaround times from 14 to 10 days.
In parallel, the first-ever local government manual introduces standardised templates, clearer eligibility thresholds, and guidance on panel composition and roles.
It recommends local government panels complete their deliberations within seven days, down from 10, to boost process efficiency.
Currently, more than 25 Local Government Design Review Panels operate across WA, advising on more than 250 proposals each year.
The new manual aims to align practices across these bodies, improving transparency and predictability for both proponents and assessing officers.
Changes to both manuals were informed by feedback from local governments and industry stakeholders, with the intent to reduce delays while strengthening design outcomes.
“Our government has led the nation on cutting red tape in the planning system to boost housing supply, and these new manuals demonstrate how we continue to look at ways to modernise the planning process,” said Planning and Lands Minister John Carey.
“We know embedding design review early in the pre-lodgement process results in greater clarity for applicants and a better outcome for the neighbouring community.”
Both manuals are now available online via the WA Planning Commission’s website.
