The Town of Mosman Park has introduced a new planning policy aimed at protecting some of the suburb’s most prized views, including sweeping Swan River vistas, Indian Ocean sunsets, and the Perth city skyline.
Policy Adoption and Development
The council unanimously adopted its new local planning policy covering views of significance at its May 26 meeting, following two rounds of community consultation and nearly a year of policy development. The policy establishes a formal framework for assessing how future developments could affect significant views when developers seek approval to exceed standard building height limits.
Requirements for Developers
Under the new rules, applicants proposing taller developments will be required to provide detailed visual assessments, including 3D modelling and geospatial analysis, to demonstrate how their projects may affect important views from neighbouring properties and public areas. Town officials say the policy fills a gap in the current planning framework, which provides limited guidance on how views should be assessed when developments depart from standard height requirements.
Background and Legal Context
The policy was prompted in part by a 2024 legal review of State Administrative Tribunal decisions involving disputes over significant views, which highlighted the challenges local governments face when making discretionary planning decisions without detailed assessment criteria. As part of the initiative, the town will also investigate purchasing specialist 3D aerial mapping and modelling software to help simulate the visual impact of a proposal from specific locations.
Cost and Benefits
The technology is expected to cost about $20,000 upfront, plus annual software subscription fees of about $3500. The town argues the investment could ultimately save money by reducing legal disputes over contentious development applications. Council documents reveal Mosman Park has recently faced three judicial reviews relating to proposed developments and their impacts on significant views, with legal costs reaching as much as $30,000 per case.
Community Support
Community feedback broadly supported the policy, with 70 per cent of respondents backing the town’s proposal to fund 3D aerial mapping technology. The policy and accompanying guidelines are now in effect and available on the town’s website.
