Six-Storey Cannington Development Praised as New Standard for City of Canning
A six-storey development in Cannington has been lauded as setting a new benchmark for urban growth within the City of Canning, following unanimous approval from the Metro Inner Development Assessment Panel.
Project Details and Approval
Risbec Design & Drafting submitted an application to construct a $6 million six-storey block at 213 and 215 Sevenoaks Street in Cannington. The project includes 36 dwellings, comprising a mix of one and two bedrooms, alongside three commercial tenancies planned for a medical centre and a cafe. The panel gave its full backing to the proposal during its meeting on February 19, highlighting its alignment with the city's strategic goals.
Support for Affordable Housing and Transport Links
Carlo Famiano, representing CF Town Planning, emphasized that this development addresses a critical need for affordable housing in the area, particularly due to its proximity to public transport. He acknowledged that the building's height of 24.8 meters exceeds the recommended 18.76 meters but argued this is justified given its location in a core activity center adjacent to the train station. "I think that this is appropriate given that we are in a core area of an activity centre and it's adjacent to the train station," Mr. Famiano stated.
City Leadership and Future Vision
Canning Mayor Patrick Hall expressed strong support for the project, noting that it sends a clear message about the desired character and density for the rail corridor. "For me, I think it sends a message about the city's clear intent and this rail corridor and our pragmatic view regarding scale and density," he said. The approval includes conditions such as implementing a landscaping plan before occupancy and ensuring visitor parking bays remain unencumbered.
Parking and Infrastructure Considerations
During discussions, panel deputy presiding member Francesca Lefante raised concerns that plans indicated visitor parking bays would also serve as EV charger bays, which could pose logistical issues. Mr. Famiano responded that this was only an indicative plan and subject to change during the building licence stage, where factors like electrical systems and strata management would be finalized. "At the end of the day, when we go through the building licence stage and we start looking at electrics and strata management and how we're going to manage this development, things might change," he explained.
Community Response and Final Thoughts
The proposal received one submission in support during its public comment phase, reflecting limited but positive community engagement. This development is seen as a pivotal step in enhancing urban density and livability in Cannington, setting a precedent for future projects in the City of Canning that balance growth with accessibility and sustainability.
