Frequently asked questions

Public consultation provides an opportunity for stakeholders to review the draft guidance and share feedback before it is finalised. Feedback received will help refine the draft LDP chapter to ensure it is clear, practical and fit-for-purpose.

We are seeking feedback on the draft LDP chapter, including whether:

• the guidance is clear and easy to understand
• it reflects current practice and challenges
• the proposed approach will support more consistent application of LDPs across Western Australia.

Anyone with an interest in LDPs is invited to make a submission. This may include:

• local government planners
• industry practitioners and developers
• peak bodies

Submissions can be made by:

• completing the online feedback form on this page
• emailing feedback to planningframeworks@dplh.wa.gov.au
• posting a submission to the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage

Using the feedback form is encouraged, as it helps collect clear and consistent feedback.

All submissions will be reviewed and considered. Feedback will inform updates to the draft chapter before it is finalised and considered for approval by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC).

Submissions may be published as part of the consultation process, however confidentiality can be requested. Any personal information will be managed in accordance with privacy requirements.

The WA Planning Manual (the Manual) is a WAPC document that consolidates guidance, templates and procedures for preparing and assessing planning instruments in Western Australia. It ensures consistency in local planning, covering several matters including district structure plans, local planning strategies, parking rates, and aligns with the State’s planning reform agenda.

The draft LDP chapter within the Manual provides proposed guidance on how an LDP should be prepared, assessed, approved, implemented, reviewed, amended and revoked under local planning schemes.

The guidance is being updated to better serve the needs of users. The draft LDP chapter has been developed to improve consistency, transparency and certainty for local governments, industry practitioners, developers and the community.

An LDP provides detailed, site or area-specific planning guidance to support future development. It can address matters such as design, built form, access, streetscape, layout and/or provide planning exemptions in accordance with a local planning scheme.

The draft LDP chapter includes guidance on when an LDP may be appropriate including:

• in response to requirements of a State or local planning framework        
• responding to a condition of a subdivision approval
• in response to specific site contexts or fragmented land ownerships across a site.

The draft LDP chapter also includes guidance when it may not be suitable including:

• for preparing a subdivision plan, including determining lot layout or road configuration.
• where matters are already addressed by other planning instruments unless it clearly improves outcomes.
• substantially varying R-Codes to achieve outcomes inconsistent with intended density.
• use beyond the intended scope, not as the primary tool for zoning, density allocation, or broad estate‑wide variations without justification.

Both local governments and the WAPC have specific roles in the process.

 Local governments are responsible for:

• determining when an LDP is appropriate
• assessing LDP applications
• undertaking advertising and consultation
• making decisions on LDP approval, amendment or revocation in accordance with their scheme.

 The WAPC provides:

• a head of power for LDPs
• an approval pathway for LDPs that propose modifications to certain provisions in the Residential Design Codes (R‑Codes) that require WAPC approval
• preliminary advice in relation to modifications of scheme or structure plan provisions
• guidance through the WA Planning Manual.

A draft LDP chapter includes:

• guidance on when it may and may not be appropriate to prepare an LDP
• manner and form requirements including eight key LDP components
• guidance on R-Codes modifications and development applications exemptions
• templates and examples of residential, non-residential and exemption-based LDPs
• an information guide to support applicants and decision-makers with reviewing, issuing and revoking LDPs.

Yes. The draft LDP chapter includes a WAPC endorsed manner and form, supported by templates and example LDPs.

Unless specifically amended or revoked all LDPs will continue as normal. This will remain the case until changes to the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015 (LPS Regulations) are introduced and the LDP chapter of the WA Planning Manual has been approved by the WAPC.

An approved LDP has a standard duration of 10 years, unless otherwise specified, extended or revoked in accordance with the LPS Regulations.

Yes. Any person who owns land in the area covered by the LDP can request the local government to extend the duration of the plan by lodging an application to amend the plan with the local government.  A local government may also decide to extend an LDP without receiving an application from a landowner.

Clause 59 of the LPS Regulations ensure that amendments to an LDP don't occur without the correct procedures being followed.

The proposed changes to the LPS Regulations will expand the circumstances where a local government can revoke an LDP, including where:

• a new LDP is prepared over the same area
• a local government considers that the plan has achieved its purpose or is otherwise no longer required
• an amendment to the local planning scheme has been approved which has resulted in the LDP no longer being consistent with the scheme.