Perenjori to allow civil engineering near residential area

Perenjori Shire council has agreed to allow civil engineering works at the edge of a residential area.

The property is bordered by Hesford Street, North Road and Downer Street.

Chapman Valley Shire deputy chief executive Simon Lancaster wrote a special report on the matter, in a consultancy role for Perenjori Shire Council.

Although zoned residential, Mr Lancaster noted the 1.0158ha block had been used in the past for other purposes, notably Redland Mining’s accommodation camp.

“Council therefore considered it appropriate to advertise the matter, inviting comment from surrounding landowners and relevant government and service agencies,” he wrote.

“No objections were received.”

Owners Penelope and Steven King had applied to the council to have their property rezoned from ‘residential’ to ‘special use’ with specific allowance for a transport depot, commercial-vehicle parking, office and a caretaker’s dwelling. They did this during the public comment period for the Shire’s new Town Planning Scheme No.3, which the council also voted to accept at its February meeting.

The new scheme, including the rezoning, needs final approval from the WA minister for transport, planning and lands, which cannot be granted during the Government’s caretaker period before the March 13 election.

Once the scheme becomes law, the owners may start their new development. Perenjori Shire president Chris King declared an impartiality interest.