Council adopted a Local Planning Policy (at its meeting held 21 April 2020) to make it easier for businesses to adapt during the declared emergency period and beyond. This policy, Local Planning Policy No. 41, exempts certain changes of use within existing buildings located within the Town’s local centre zones and the Albany Highway precinct from the need to obtain development approval. By exempting a range of compatible land uses, the Town aims to make it easier for businesses to adapt while supporting economic recovery and local employment.
Land uses that can, subject to location, be exempt from a ‘change of use’ development approval under this policy (irrespective of an increase to the car parking shortfall) include the following:
- Amusement parlour
- Art gallery
- Consulting rooms
- Exhibition centre
- Fast food outlet
- Lunch bar
- Office
- Restaurant/café
- Shop
- Small bar
This Local Planning Policy, adopted for a 12 month trial period, also permits a variety of existing approved food premises (restaurants, small bars, taverns etc) to carry out activities that are consistent with a service industry and/or fast food outlet use for the for the preparation, sale, distribution and/or delivery of food and/or beverages. This particular exemption will be in effect until 21 September 2020. It is important to note uses which are exempt under LPP 41 are permanent in nature.
Local Planning Policy 41 – Exemption Policy for Specified Changes of Use and Activities Carried Out From Existing Buildings, can be found on the Town’s website here.
Local Planning Policy 32 – Exemptions from Development Approval (link here) is an existing Local Planning Policy that should also be referred to by businesses, landowners and prospective applicants. Please note that these exemptions from development approval are in addition to the temporary exemptions afforded by the Minister for Planning’s notice as detailed below.