$30 Million Madeley Townhouse Project Approved in Perth's North
A $30 million plan to construct 78 townhouses on a vacant block in Madeley, located in Perth's northern suburbs, has received official approval from state planning authorities. This significant residential development project, led by Australian property developer Cedar Woods, was given the green light on Wednesday following a recommendation of approval from the City of Wanneroo.
Development Details and Community Response
The approved project now includes plans for 64 double-storey townhouses and 14 single-storey homes, each equipped with two parking bays. Additionally, the development will feature 19 visitor parking bays distributed throughout the site. The 1.85-hectare property is situated immediately north of the Kingsway City Shopping Centre, with all vehicular access planned via Old Trafford Avenue, despite the site's location on Wanneroo Road.
During public consultation held last year, 59 submissions were received, with 41 objections raising concerns about traffic congestion, suitability for the area, on-street parking issues, and potential impacts on local amenity. Metro Outer Development Assessment Panel presiding member Clayton Higham acknowledged these traffic concerns but noted that some impact was inevitable given the project's scale and location.
Official Statements and Planning Conditions
Mr Higham expressed support for the development, stating, "Given the location of the land, it was always going to have some intensity of use in the future. Unfortunately, with that comes some additional traffic." He added that residential traffic was preferable to commercial traffic, which was originally intended for the site, and emphasized that the project would help address Western Australia's residential accommodation shortfall.
Officers from the City of Wanneroo highlighted that the proposal would positively contribute to increased residential density near the Kingsway City district centre, aligning with the city's strategic planning goals. They noted, "Although the proposal varies from the current structure plan by incorporating residential development on land earmarked for commercial purposes, the anticipated built form, traffic generation and residential interface are considered compatible with the established character of the area."
However, they also pointed out several deficiencies in the technical documentation, which limited the clarity and robustness of the assessment. Despite these shortcomings, the city believes that outstanding matters can be resolved through appropriate conditions of approval, ensuring a high-quality, integrated, and liveable residential environment.
Timeline and Future Steps
Cedar Woods will have a maximum of four years to commence construction of the Madeley project before the approval lapses. Mr Higham mentioned that "some massaging is going to be needed" with the landscaping plans, but overall, the development is expected to proceed subject to minor planning conditions. This approval marks a key step in addressing housing needs in the region while balancing community concerns and urban planning objectives.
