The owner of a prime redevelopment site in North Fremantle has won council backing to dramatically increase the property’s development potential, paving the way for a possible six-storey mixed-use project.

At Wednesday night’s meeting, Fremantle councillors unanimously backed plans to significantly increase the scale of development allowed at 2-8 Harvest Road, supporting a proposal that could allow buildings of up to six storeys on the site.

The move marks a major shift from the property’s current low-density residential restrictions, which generally allows for single or two-storey developments.

While the land would remain residential, the proposal would open the door for a far larger redevelopment incorporating apartments alongside businesses such as cafes, restaurants, shops, offices, consulting rooms, small bars and fitness studios.

The proposal now goes to the Western Australian Planning Commission and the Planning Minister, who will decide whether it can proceed to public advertising and community consultation.

The long-running proposal has been the subject of debate since 2018, and has sparked mixed reactions from locals.

Supporters argue the proposal represents sensible urban infill close to public transport and facilities, while opponents have raised concerns about increased traffic, congestion and the impact taller buildings could have on the area’s predominantly low-rise residential character.

Wednesday’s decision also went against advice from city planning officers, who had recommended scaling back the proposal to allow for a lower four-storey development limit instead.

The council’s approval came several conditions, including that a detailed development plan be prepared in consultation with the city and local community before any redevelopment could proceed.

Council also voted to prohibit vehicle access from Harvest Road, citing concerns about traffic conflicts near major intersections and the impact of car parking along the main street frontage.

Instead, vehicle access would be directed to the rear laneway behind the site, which the city is separately seeking to formalise as a public right-of-way, and would be funded by the developer.