Frequently asked questions
FAQs- Click to expand
Who is the applicant for this development and who is the owner of the site?
DevelopmentWA is the applicant and will deliver the development through an appointed builder. The State Government is the owner of the land.
Who is the decision maker for this development application?
The proposed development constitutes a Public Work under the Public Works Act 1902 and requires approval under the Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS). Approval is not required under the Town of Bassendean Local Planning Scheme No.11.
What is the Metropolitan Region Scheme?
The Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS) is a statutory land-use planning framework for the Perth Metropolitan Region, administered by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC). The MRS was recently streamlined through the Planning and Development Amendment (Metropolitan Region Scheme) Act 2024, which came into effect on 31 March 2025.
What is the role of the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (the Department)?
The Department officers will assess the application and make recommendations to the Western Australian Planning Commission under the Metropolitan Region Scheme.
Why is this proposal being advertised?
As required by Clause 41 of the Metropolitan Region Scheme, this proposal is being made available to the public. This is to obtain community feedback on the proposed development as part of the assessment process.
What is the land zoned under the Metropolitan Region Scheme?
The site is zoned Urban under the Metropolitan Region Scheme.
Will the local government be consulted?
The Town of Bassendean is being consulted on this application as the responsible local government authority.
How is the development being funded?
The Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) is a $10 billion initiative by the Australian Government to support the long-term delivery of social and affordable housing.
Who will operate the development when it is completed?
Once construction is finished, the completed developments will be sold to Community Housing Providers to own, operate and maintain. The Federal Government’s funding contributions, through the Housing Australia Future Fund, will support the appointed Community Housing Providers (CHP’s) to operate and maintain each development over a 25-year term.
Are there any design standards under the HAFF programme?
The development has been through State Design Review and is designed to a Livable Housing Australia (LHA) Silver Level standard, include Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, and will integrate mixed-use spaces, communal areas, and landscaping using local species.
What is Social and Affordable Housing?
Affordable housing provides a stable long-term housing for people on low to moderate incomes. Affordable housing tenants can include key workers, childcare educators, retail and hospitality workers, health support workers and general administrative services.
Social housing is rental housing for very low to low-income households, provided by the WA Government (public housing) or community housing providers.
Will I be advised about the application outcome?
If you agree to be contacted when you make your online submission, you will be notified of the application outcome.
Where can I get more information?
While public advertising is open, the development application can be viewed on this page or in person at the Department’s Perth offices, Level 2, 140 William Street, Perth (by appointment).
Appointment requests and any enquiries related to the application should be directed to the Department, either by email to metrocentralplanning@dplh.wa.gov.au or by phone to 6551 8002.
Local residents: Application documents can also be viewed, by appointment, at the Town of Bassendean Customer Service Centre, 35 Old Perth Road, Bassendean between 9.00am and 4.30pm weekdays. Call 9377 8000 to make an appointment.