What is an Activity Centre Plan? An Activity Centre Plan (ACP) is a guide for how an area will grow and change over time. It sets out a shared vision for what the place could look and feel like - where people can live, shop, work, relax, and connect.
It helps shape things like land use (for homes, shops, cafés, and community spaces), transport and parking, building design, and public spaces. The plan gives direction for future investment so the area can become a vibrant, welcoming, and well-connected hub for everyone.
What is the current vision for the CBACP? The Canning Bridge Precinct Vision Statement guides the Canning Bridge Activity Centre Plan (CBACP).
‘The Canning Bridge area will evolve to become a unique, vibrant, creative community centred on the integrated transport node of the Canning Bridge rail station. The area will be recognised by its unique location, its integrated mix of office, retail, residential, recreational and cultural uses that create areas of excitement, the promotion of its local heritage and as a pedestrian friendly enclave that integrates with the regional transport networks while enhancing the natural attractions of the Swan and Canning Rivers’
What are the goals of the CBACP? Based on the feedback captured through the review process, it was recommended that the CBACP vision remain unchanged, however the goals have been revised to reflect local priorities more accurately.
The revised goals and principles are outlined on page 34-35 of the
CBAC Precinct and Place Report.The Local Planning Scheme 6 (LPS6) is the City’s main planning framework that guides how land across the whole City of Melville can be used and developed. It sets the broad rules for things like housing, business, transport, open space, and the environment.
The CBACP sits under the LPS6 and provides more detailed guidance for just one specific area, the Canning Bridge precinct. While the LPS looks at the big picture for the entire City, the CBACP focuses on the finer details of how this local area should grow, including building heights, land use, design, and public spaces.
Together, the LPS6 and the CBACP help shape the long-term vision for the City, ensuring development in Canning Bridge supports the wider goals of a connected, vibrant, and sustainable Melville.
Who is the final decision maker when it comes to an Activity Centre Plan? The final decision on an Activity Centre Plan (ACP) is made by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC).
The City of Melville works closely with the community and key stakeholders to prepare and review the plan. Once feedback has been considered and any changes made, the City presents the final version to the WAPC for approval.
The WAPC then reviews the plan to make sure it aligns with State planning policies and regional strategies before it becomes a formally approved planning document.
What do terms like community benefit, development incentives, height bonuses, transitional area’s and exemplary design mean? Community benefits are improvements or infrastructure that provide value to the community - for example, new public spaces, shared facilities, or upgrades to local amenities.
Development incentives give developers extra development potential (such as more building height) when their project delivers both community benefits and exemplary design. These incentives are sometimes referred to as:
- bonus provisions
- height bonuses
- development bonuses
For example, a developer may be allowed additional building height in exchange for creating high-quality public spaces.
Exemplary design means development that is high quality, inclusive, and incorporates innovative or outstanding features. It should set a positive example for future developments in the area.
Transitional areas are places where there is a change between the development potential of adjacent properties. For example changes in building height zones within the CBACP area and where the H4 zone (for buildings up to 4 storeys) is near single storey properties that are outside of the CBACP area.
What are the current height restrictions in the CBACP? Currently there are four zones
- M15: Mixed use zone with building up to 15 storeys with possibility of bonus height*
- M10: Mixed use zone with buildings up to 10 storeys with possibility of bonus height*
- H8: Residential up to 6-8 storeys
- H4: Residential up to 4 storeys
*In the M10 and M15 Zones, additional storeys can be awarded which show exemplary design and provide community benefits. Lots in the M10 zone which interface with the H4 and H8 zones are restricted to a maximum height bonus of 5 storeys.
The diagram below shows the location of these heights within the City of Melville.
