Recommendation 7 · Evidence

Minimum lot size evidence

Official planning material supports reviewing historic development standards rather than carrying them forward without a demonstrated contemporary public benefit.

The lot-size point

This evidence relates to the proposed minimum lot sizes. It is not a request to reproduce the historic housing-density control.

The relevance of the Council assessment and Department concurrence is that both documents show that an inherited WLEP 2000 standard should not be retained merely because it is longstanding. A new LEP should use current evidence and identify the public planning benefit served by the chosen minimum lot size.

Key principle: Historic planning controls should not be carried into the new LEP unless Council can demonstrate that they remain appropriate and serve a contemporary public benefit.

Practical consequences

  • Subdivision potential
  • Boundary adjustments
  • Efficient use of existing lots
  • Development feasibility
  • Long-term planning certainty and property value

WUFA position

Apply a 4,000 m² minimum lot size to R5 land and 20,000 m² to RU4 land, unless reliable evidence supports a different outcome for a clearly identified locality.