Rossmoyne Riverfront Home Proposal Reopened for Public Consultation
A controversial proposal for a luxurious two-storey riverfront home in Rossmoyne has been put out for public comment once again, following ongoing concerns that the design for two dwellings could potentially accommodate up to four separate residences. The development at 151 Riverton Drive West has sparked significant debate within the City of Canning planning framework.
Luxurious Design Features Raise Planning Questions
The ambitious design for the property includes four bedrooms on both the ground and upper floors, complete with kitchen facilities on each level, multiple laundry areas, and substantial storage spaces. The proposal features two separate alfresco areas on the first floor, complemented by two balconies on the second floor, along with distinct ground floor entrances and parking for eight vehicles.
The City of Canning has expressed concerns that while the application formally proposes two dwellings, the layout appears capable of supporting up to four separate residences. This arrangement would result in an average site area of just 251 square metres per dwelling, significantly below the 450 square metre minimum requirement for the Rossmoyne area.
Family's Personal Circumstances Behind the Proposal
The development application comes from a local family seeking to construct a $4.6 million building on land adjacent to their existing property. According to planning documents, the ground floor would primarily serve their daughter, who experiences significant mental and functional impairments requiring two full-time carers and substantial medical equipment.
The corner property, situated at Second Avenue with frontage to the Canning River, includes additional features such as a lift from the underground basement garage, a dedicated pool equipment room, storage for up to six bins, and a private gym facility.
Planning Process and Design Modifications
The proposal initially came before the Metro Inner Development Assessment Panel in July last year, with city planners recommending refusal based on concerns that the design didn't properly classify as two dwellings and appeared suitable for at least three separate residences. Additional issues identified included insufficient open space, excessive building height, problematic setbacks, and inadequate landscaping.
The panel deferred their decision until December, acknowledging the unique circumstances behind the application and providing time for design modifications. In response to city feedback, architects made several significant changes including removal of a second kitchenette, conversion of a secondary laundry to a multipurpose mud room, elimination of a secondary entrance, and clarification of room functions.
"On this basis, it is not possible to separate any part of the ground floor into two separate dwellings without having to undertake works that would require further approval from the city," wrote Rise Urban director Cameron Leckey on behalf of the applicants.
Ongoing Delays and Further Consultation
Despite these modifications, the proposal faced another deferral at the December meeting after the city indicated insufficient time to properly assess the changes. Panel member Karen Hyde acknowledged that while the accommodation was generous, it remained consistent with the affluent character of the Rossmoyne locality.
The extended planning process has now stretched beyond twelve months, prompting criticism of delays from both applicants and city officials. A proposed amendment to move the deferral date to March 31 rather than June 22 received mixed support, with some panel members arguing against what they considered an unnecessarily aggressive timeline.
The latest deferral requires the proposal to undergo another round of public consultation, with submissions accepted until 5pm on Thursday, February 12. Following this consultation period, the City of Canning will prepare a formal recommendation before the application returns to the Metro Inner Development Assessment Panel in May for final consideration.
