Residents in the City of Gosnells are being encouraged to have their say on a proposed policy that could make it easier to carry out minor works on their properties without needing Council approval.
At its meeting on Tuesday, April 8, the Council agreed to advertise a draft Local Planning Policy aimed at streamlining the approvals process for residential and rural-zoned properties.
If supported, the new policy would mean property owners would no longer have to apply for planning approval for a range of minor works.
Mayor Terresa Lynes said the changes were part of the City’s efforts to make the process less overwhelming for residents.
“We want to ‘cut the bureaucratic red tape’, so to speak,” Mayor Lynes said. “We know that the applications process can be quite overwhelming and drawn-out, so we’re trying to make life a bit easier for our residents by streamlining some of the City’s approvals processes, and this is a step towards achieving that.”
While planning approval may not be needed under the new policy, residents could still be required to obtain a building permit for certain works.
The draft policy is available for public comment on the City’s Your Say website until 5pm on Wednesday 14 May. A full list of the minor works proposed for exemption is also available online.
Residents with questions about planning or building approvals are encouraged to contact the City on 9397 3000. Feedback can be provided by visiting yoursay.gosnells.wa.gov.au/publicnotice.
