FAQs

The policy purpose is to provide parameters for new developments within each of the City’s three Character Protection Areas (CPA) and make sure those areas retain their character and amenity as the City grows.

Why are we reviewing the Character Protection Areas Local Planning Policy?

The City of Bayswater's local planning policies are intended to guide development in the City and as such, it's important that we review them periodically to make sure meet current need.

The Character Protection Areas Local Planning policy was last updated in 2015 and since then, there have been changes to the R-Codes, the City’s Strategic Community Plan has been updated twice (2021-2031) and best-practice thinking around the protection of character precincts has evolved.   

A key concern identified during the review is that the requirement for new builds to be developed in harmony with existing traditional character homes has in some cases resulted in ‘fake heritage’, and existing provisions have not always adequately shielded streetscape from being overshadowed..

A shift to requiring ‘sympathetic’ new builds means design outcomes that respect the proportions and materiality of the existing environment, but is not meant to be identical, nor would it result in a development that intrudes on the traditional character homes presence in the streetscape.

‘In harmony’ means the design should match in style and materials of existing Traditional Character homes as closely as possible. Building orientation, bulk form and scale, roof pitch and form, carports and garages must all reflect the existing character of the area.

‘Sympathetic’ design ensures high quality outcomes in Character Protection Areas, and allows greater flexibility for new developments to add interest to the streetscape without dominating the area. It is a design outcome that respects the proportions and materiality, but is not meant to be identical, nor would it result in a development that intrudes on the traditional character homes presence in the streetscape.

A Traditional Character Home is a building used as a residence generally built before 1950 in a traditional style. These homes can include heritage listed properties (but not always). These homes have visual characteristics of scale, composition, materials, texture and colour that add visual character to the local area. 

If you’re not sure whether your home is considered a Traditional Character Home, please contact the City’s Strategic team. 

A Character Protection area is a group of properties that are recognised to collectively form a streetscape with defining features and characteristics, which may include form and scale, materiality, style or repetition. The following Character Protection Areas have been identified within the City of Bayswater: 

• Character Protection Area 1: Maylands North.
• Character Protection Area 2: Mount Lawley.
• Character Protection Area 3: Bayswater.

The policy purpose is to provide parameters for new developments within each of the City’s three Character Protection Areas (CPA) and make sure those areas retain their character and amenity as the City grows.

The current policy requires all new developments within CPAs to be ‘in harmony’ with existing residential dwellings. ‘In harmony’ means they should match style and materials of existing Traditional Character homes as closely as possible.  

The new policy proposes new developments should be sympathetic with the character, rhythm, scale and visual amenity of the existing residential streetscape and Traditional Character Homes. That is, the siting, bulk, form, scale, character, colour, texture and material of new developments should be similar to – but not mimic – existing homes.

Consistent with the new purpose, a number of provisions have been modified and new provisions added, including changes to:

• Porches and verandahs
• Upper storey setbacks
• New developments designed to have a continuation of plate height and be of similar proportions to Traditional Character Homes in the area
• Architectural detailing, and detailing on front and side elevations

A full list of proposed modifications can be found in the Council report (OCM 23/07/2024).

A new scope has been included to clearly outline that this policy applies to and sets out the requirements for new residential development, including single houses, grouped dwellings, multiple dwellings, and additional and alterations to single houses, grouped dwellings and multiple dwellings, that require development approval in the following areas:

• Character Protection Area 1: Maylands North.
• Character Protection Area 2: Mount Lawley.
• Character Protection Area 3: Bayswater.

No changes are proposed to the Character Protection Areas. 

The modifications contained in the draft policy are intended to

• Ensure the policy is consistent with legislation and the City’s policy format
• Provide greater clarity about acceptable development within Character Protection Areas, and
• Make the policy easier for people to read and use.

Local policies are intended to improve outcomes for everyone in the City of Bayswater.  To help the City make informed decisions, we need to understand whether there is community support for the proposed modifications.

You can tell us your thoughts about the modified Character Protection Areas Local Planning Policy by filling out the submissions form below before 5pm 20 September 2024.

Once submissions close, the City will review all the feedback received from the community, which will help us determine what further modifications (if any) are required.  A report will then be prepared and put to Council in the following months for final consideration.