FAQs

A local planning scheme (formerly known as 'Town Planning Scheme') is a legal document and set of maps that sets out the way land is to be used and developed. It includes zones (e.g. Residential, Commercial, Industrial), residential densities (R-Codes) and other planning controls, and provides the basis for decision making about new development and the use of land in the City.

The scheme is used to assess development and subdivision applications, in conjunction with the plans, policies and strategies which make up the State and local planning frameworks, and is used to implement the City's Local Planning Strategy.

The local planning scheme must be prepared in accordance with the requirements of the State Government’s statutory and strategic planning framework.

The Western Australian planning system comprises a framework of strategic and statutory documents to guide decision making and ensure appropriate development outcomes. 

The Planning and Development Act 2005 is the principal act under which all planning frameworks are created. 

The City’s framework is made up of several strategic and statutory documents which work together to ensure orderly and proper planning outcomes within the City of Bayswater. 

The key legal document in the local planning framework is the local planning scheme.

The Planning and Development (Local Planning Scheme) Regulations 2015 require the City to review the Scheme every 5 years. This process reviews whether the scheme complies with current regulations, policy and growth requirements outlined in the State and local planning frameworks, and makes a recommendation as to whether the current scheme should be retained or amended, or if a new local planning scheme is required.

The State Government has made significant modifications to the planning framework over the past decade. The City's review of Town Planning Scheme No.24 found that it is outdated and inconsistent with the current planning framework and requires substantial modification to implement the objectives of the Local Planning Strategy.

On 24 January 2025, the City received formal notification from the Western Australian Planning Commission that it agrees with the City's recommendation to prepare a new local planning scheme.

The Scheme is prepared by the City of Bayswater. Approval of the City of Bayswater Council and the Western Australian Planning Commission is required to advertise a draft local planning scheme. Council and the Western Australian Planning Commission endorse the final version of the scheme after advertising, and the Minister for Planning gives final approval of the Scheme.