A controversial $278 million apartment project proposed for the affluent Perth suburb of Warwick appears destined for rejection by the state's key planning authority. The ambitious Warwick Quarter development, which promised to transform a local shopping centre site into a high-density residential precinct, is set to be knocked back by the Western Australian Planning Commission.
Commission's Recommendation Against the Project
The Western Australian Planning Commission has formally recommended that the Metro-Inner North Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP) refuse the application. This pivotal recommendation deals a significant blow to the proposal from developers Hesperia and Mirvac. The project planned for the site of the existing Warwick Grove shopping centre aimed to deliver a massive complex featuring more than 430 apartments across buildings up to 11 storeys high.
Central to the Commission's opposition are concerns over the project's scale and its compatibility with the surrounding area. Planners argue the proposed density and building heights substantially exceed what is envisaged for the neighbourhood under current planning frameworks. The development's design, which included a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, was deemed an overdevelopment of the strategically important site.
Community Backlash and Developer's Vision
The proposal had ignited considerable controversy within the local community, drawing strong opposition from nearby residents and the City of Stirling council. Critics argued the project's sheer size would overwhelm local infrastructure, exacerbate traffic congestion, and irrevocably alter the character of the suburb. The City of Stirling itself had recommended refusal, citing non-compliance with several planning policies.
Despite the opposition, the development consortium, a joint venture between Hesperia and Mirvac, had championed the project as a vital piece of urban infill. They positioned Warwick Quarter as a solution to Perth's housing shortage, promising a new community with extensive amenities. The vision included not just apartments but also plans for refurbished retail spaces, public plazas, and improved connectivity.
Implications and Next Steps for the Site
The Planning Commission's stance signals a firm commitment to adhering to established planning schemes and density controls, even for large-scale, high-profile projects. This decision underscores the challenges developers face when proposing high-density solutions in established suburban areas, particularly where local sentiment is strongly opposed.
While the Commission's recommendation is a powerful indicator, the final decision rests with the JDAP. The panel is scheduled to meet to consider the application and the Commission's advice. However, it is highly unusual for the panel to go against such a definitive recommendation from the state's principal planning body. Should the refusal be formalised, it would force the developers back to the drawing board, requiring a substantially scaled-down proposal or a reconsideration of the site's future.
This potential knockback highlights the ongoing tension in Australian cities between the push for increased housing density and the preservation of local neighbourhood character. The fate of the Warwick Quarter project will be closely watched by the property industry, planners, and communities across Perth facing similar development pressures.
