Perth's Dalkeith apartment complex set for approval after six-year battle
A controversial four-storey apartment complex in one of Perth's most affluent suburbs, Dalkeith, is poised to receive approval from State planners after enduring nearly six years of development setbacks and multiple rejections. The $6 million project at 6 Alexander Road will return to a Development Assessment Panel next Thursday for its third attempt at gaining the green light, with indications suggesting it will finally secure approval this time around.
Long history of amendments and challenges
Originally proposed in 2019 as a five-storey complex with five units, the development has undergone significant amendments and required changes to meet the standards of State planners. The current design features a four-storey building comprising five dwellings on a 1012 square metre lot. If approved, this complex would become the tallest development on Alexander Road, a street that has seen considerable redevelopment in recent years.
Last year, the Development Assessment Panel refused the development, prompting the applicant to appeal the decision at the State Administrative Tribunal. The case was then returned to the panel for reconsideration, only to be refused once more. Instead of pursuing another tribunal appeal, the applicant opted to make more substantial changes to the proposal.
Key modifications to the development plan
The revised plans include increasing building setbacks, reducing the plot ratio, and adding a bicycle bay and storage room. These adjustments aim to address previous concerns and align the project more closely with local planning guidelines. Alexander Road is no stranger to property development, with many homes recently redeveloped into small apartment blocks and subdivisions.
Almost half of the street now consists of newly constructed double-storey homes, including a property across the road at 5A and 5B Alexander Road, which is being transformed into a two-storey complex of four units. The proposed development, as amended, is now considered compatible with its surrounding immediate locality and the evolving character of Alexander Road.
Decision expected soon
A decision on the development is anticipated on March 26, marking a potential end to the lengthy approval process. This case highlights the challenges and delays often faced in urban development projects, particularly in affluent areas where community and regulatory scrutiny is high. The outcome could set a precedent for future developments in similar suburbs across Perth.
