From 1 July to 30 November 2020, the City received a total of 416 planning applications – a 30% increase on the same period in 2019, and 546 building permit applications – a 35% increase on the previous year.

 

Mayor Margaret Thomas said the increases could in part be explained by the State and Federal governments’ COVID-19 building recovery incentives, but the amazing hills lifestyle should also be factored in.

 

“Our City has always lured tree-changers and those looking to swap the hustle and bustle of inner-City living for our amazing bush community,” Cr Thomas said.

 

“Over the past few months, we’ve seen renewed interest across all suburbs with a higher number of commercial and light industrial applications from areas surrounding the new Forrestfield North train station and residential applications from The Hales subdivision in Forrestfield, and also new subdivisions in Maida Vale and Wattle Grove.”

 

The City’s planners approved 395 planning applications from July to November 2020 with 160 currently being reviewed prompting Mayor Thomas to issue a reminder on the importance of being patient.

 

“City staff are working hard to ensure approved applicants can start building as quickly as possible but making sure plans are compliant and won’t impact adversely on neighbours or the environment takes time to check,” Cr Thomas said.

 

“It’s going to be a busy 2021 for local builders and the wider construction industry which is fantastic news for the local economy and community.”

 

Find more information here on the City’s planning and building permit approvals, email enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au or phone 9257 9999.