Frequently asked questions

Precincts WA is a State Government initiative to create opportunities for more homes and greater housing choice around metropolitan train stations through a coordinated and consistent planning framework using planning instruments known as Improvement Plans and Improvement Schemes.

A station precinct is the area around a metropolitan train station where people can readily walk, cycle and access public transport. The boundaries of each precinct are defined on the Improvement Scheme Map and vary depending on the local context, however, generally include land within walking distance of the station. 

Precincts WA initially covers Ballajura, Bassendean, Carlisle - Oats Street, Claisebrook, Cottesloe, Glendalough, Morley, Mosman Park, Redcliffe and Swanbourne. The draft Station Precincts Improvement Scheme No. 1 applies to eight precincts, as Ballajura and Redcliffe are being progressed through separate improvement schemes.  

A State-led approach provides a consistent framework for future growth, enables planning to be coordinated across local government boundaries, and helps align housing, transport and infrastructure planning. The identified precincts are strategically important locations around major public transport infrastructure, including significant investment delivered through METRONET and Perth’s broader rail network.

Yes. Increasing housing supply in well-located areas is an important part of addressing Perth’s housing needs. Planning for more homes around stations helps create opportunities for a wider range of housing types while making better use of existing transport infrastructure. 

The State Government will also identify surplus government-owned land within and around station precincts that could play a role in delivering more homes in great locations close to public transport.

Improvement schemes are statutory planning instruments prepared under the Planning and Development Act 2005. Once approved, an improvement scheme becomes the primary planning instrument, and the local planning scheme ceases to apply within that area.

The establishment of a single improvement scheme over multiple station precincts will streamline decision making, provide greater certainty for communities, government and industry, and encourage a diverse range of new housing development. Once approved, the Improvement Scheme will become the primary planning instrument for each precinct, setting out zoning, reservations, land use permissibility, housing densities, building heights and other development standards.

The proposed density codes, building heights and other development standards aim to support built form outcomes that reflect the role, location and characteristics of each station precinct. In line with transit-oriented development principles, higher density and taller buildings will be encouraged closer to stations, centres, shops and services, where additional housing and activity can be supported. The proposed settings also take account of lot sizes, existing development patterns, heritage and local character.

A diverse mix of housing is proposed across the precincts, including apartments, townhouses and terrace homes. Greater housing choice can meet the needs of different households and life stages, including younger people, families and downsizers, and provide more opportunities for people to remain in their local area as their needs change.

The residential density code (R-Code) proposed for each property is shown on the draft Scheme Maps. The relevant precinct schedule sets out the corresponding building heights, setbacks and other development standards.

Use the Improvement Scheme Maps to check whether your property is within the draft Scheme area and to view the proposed future zoning/reservation and density code. For proposed height and development requirements, you can refer to the relevant precinct schedule.

No. The Improvement Scheme does not require landowners to redevelop their properties. It creates opportunities for housing to be developed over time. The decision about whether and when to redevelop remains with the landowner.

The draft Scheme provides the planning framework for future development. Most homes are expected to be delivered by private landowners and developers, however there may be opportunities for Government-owned land to be developed over time. 

Precincts WA and the draft Improvement Scheme recognise the heritage, local character and distinct qualities of each precinct.

Places on the State Register of Heritage Places will remain protected under the Heritage Act 2018, while Aboriginal heritage will remain protected under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972. The draft Scheme does not affect these protections.

Properties that were included on a local heritage list when Station Precincts Improvement Plan No. 65 was gazetted are proposed to be recognised through a Heritage Policy for the Scheme area. The draft policy aims to ensure redevelopment responds appropriately to heritage significance and local character. Feedback on the draft policy is invited as part of the public consultation.

The Western Australian Planning Commission will be responsible for decisions under the Scheme and may delegate some decisions to local governments.

Existing valid development and subdivision approvals will not be affected by the new Scheme and will remain valid in accordance with their approval terms.

The draft Scheme includes transitional arrangements for applications that have been lodged but not determined when the Scheme comes into effect. How an application will be dealt with depends on the type of application and the approval pathway. Applicants should review the transitional provisions outlined in the draft Scheme to understand how they may apply to their application. 

Western Australia’s Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) are currently being reviewed with the aim of providing greater consistency in the way residential development is designed and assessed across the State. 

Precincts WA and the R-Codes Review are separate but complementary planning initiatives. As both are being progressed at a similar time, the two initiatives have been coordinated.

The R-Codes provide the State-wide framework for the design and assessment of residential development across Western Australia, while Precincts WA applies specifically to designated station precincts.

The primary residential development controls proposed through Precincts WA are generally aligned with the draft updated R-Codes, including the proposed mid-rise and high-rise development standards. Precinct-specific requirements may be introduced where necessary to respond to the particular characteristics of individual station precincts.

Find out more about the R-Codes Review.

Planning for growth around stations makes better use of the infrastructure and services already available. It also allows future housing growth and the need for transport, utilities, community facilities and public spaces to be considered together.

More homes near stations can support greater use of public transport, walking and cycling. Individual development proposals will still need to address access, parking, traffic and safety requirements. Transport needs will also be considered as precincts grow, including better walking and cycling infrastructure.

The planning for each precinct will support better streets and public spaces as growth occurs. This may include more street trees, landscaping, shade, seating and places for people to gather, based on the needs and opportunities within each precinct.

As station precincts grow, improvements may be needed to streets and public spaces, such as street trees, shade, seating, landscaping and places for people to gather. The Discussion Paper seeks feedback on whether new development projects should contribute to these improvements. Feedback on the Public Realm Contribution Discussion Paper is invited as part of the public consultation.

Public consultation on the draft Improvement Scheme is now open until 12 February 2027. 

Drop-in sessions are also being planned for each precinct – anyone is welcome to come along at any time during the allocated sessions to ask questions or provide feedback. 

The responses from the public consultation will be considered before the Improvement Scheme is finalised.

The consultation includes the draft Improvement Scheme text and maps, the draft Improvement Scheme Report, the Draft Heritage Policy and the Public Realm Contributions Discussion Paper. Each document serves a different purpose, so feedback can address one document or several.  

The responses to the Improvement Scheme consultation will be considered and recommendations will be made to the WAPC. It is anticipated that the new Scheme will be in place in 2027 subject to WAPC and Ministerial consideration.