What is proposed
The draft scheme sets proposed zoning, housing densities, building heights and other development controls for each precinct. Its stated aim is more homes and housing choice near train stations.
It follows the approval of Station Precincts Improvement Plan No. 65 in July 2026. That plan set the precinct boundaries. It also set what the State Government calls a "core and frame approach". Higher density housing sits closest to the station. Medium density housing, such as townhouses and low-rise apartments, sits further out.
An improvement scheme is a statutory planning instrument prepared under the Planning and Development Act 2005 (WA). Once approved, it becomes the main planning instrument for its area. The local planning scheme stops applying there. The WAPC would decide applications under it, and may delegate some decisions to local governments.
Who it affects
The draft covers eight station precincts: Bassendean, Carlisle-Oats Street, Claisebrook, Cottesloe, Glendalough, Morley, Mosman Park and Swanbourne. Redcliffe and Ballajura are being planned through separate improvement schemes.
Community members, landowners, local governments and industry are invited to comment. The draft scheme maps show whether a property falls inside the scheme area. They also show its proposed zoning, reservation and density code. Heights and other requirements sit in the schedule for each precinct.
What this means for you
The scheme does not require anyone to redevelop. It changes what could be approved over time, and the decision to develop stays with the landowner.
Existing valid development and subdivision approvals are not affected. For applications lodged but not yet determined, the draft includes transitional arrangements. How they apply depends on the application type and approval pathway, so check the transitional provisions in the draft scheme text.
Places on the State Register of Heritage Places stay protected under the Heritage Act 2018 (WA). Aboriginal heritage stays protected under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA). A draft Station Precincts Heritage Policy sets out how places on a local heritage list at the time of Improvement Plan No. 65 would be recognised. That policy is also open for comment.
A separate Public Realm Contributions Discussion Paper asks whether new development should contribute to public realm improvements, such as street trees and shade.
The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH) says the main residential controls generally align with the draft updated Residential Design Codes (R-Codes), with precinct-specific requirements where needed. Our guide to R-Codes density codes explains how those codes work.
Key dates and how to make a submission
Consultation runs from 5 November 2026 to 12 February 2027. The documents are the scheme maps, the scheme text, the scheme report with a report for each precinct, the heritage policy and the discussion paper.
| Date | Precinct | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 16 November 2026 | Claisebrook | 12 pm to 3 pm |
| 17 November 2026 | Mosman Park | 4 pm to 7 pm |
| 18 November 2026 | Bassendean | 4 pm to 7 pm |
| 21 November 2026 | Swanbourne | 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm |
| 24 November 2026 | Morley | 9 am to 12 pm |
| 26 November 2026 | Cottesloe | 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm |
| 28 November 2026 | Carlisle-Oats Street | 9 am to 12 pm |
| 30 November 2026 | Glendalough | 3 pm to 6 pm |
There is one drop-in session for each precinct, held between 16 and 30 November 2026.
You can make a submission through the online feedback form on the Have Your Say WA website, at a drop-in session, or in writing to Precincts and Projects, Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, Locked Bag 2506, Perth WA 6001.
You can also view the documents during business hours at DPLH, 140 William Street, Perth, and at relevant local government offices.
Next steps
After consultation closes, the responses will be considered and recommendations made to the WAPC. The published timeline shows the draft being refined in early 2027 and the scheme being finalised in mid 2027. DPLH notes this is subject to WAPC and Ministerial consideration.
How Trace Planning can help
We can check the draft maps and precinct schedule against your lot and explain the proposed controls. We can also help you prepare a submission, or check how the transitional provisions could apply to an application already lodged.
Read about our statutory planning support, or contact us to discuss your site.
This article is general information as at November 2026, not legal advice.
References
All accessed 7 November 2026.
- Have your say: planning for metro station precincts moves ahead, Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, 5 November 2026, https://www.wa.gov.au/government/announcements/have-your-say-planning-metro-station-precincts-moves-ahead
- Draft Station Precincts Improvement Scheme No. 1, Have Your Say WA, Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, November 2026, https://www.haveyoursay.dplh.wa.gov.au/stationprecincts-is
- Draft Station Precincts Improvement Scheme No. 1: frequently asked questions, Have Your Say WA, Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, November 2026, https://haveyoursay.dplh.wa.gov.au/stationprecincts-is/widgets/498370/faqs
- Station Precincts Improvement Plan approved, Government of Western Australia, undated, https://www.wa.gov.au/government/announcements/station-precincts-improvement-plan-approved
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