How will the new local planning scheme affect Bunbury?

Real estate in Bunbury is set to get a boost, with the new rules in the recently approved local planning scheme encouraging high-density, high-rise living arrangements.

So, how will these changes affect Bunbury?

What is the new local planning scheme?

Local planning schemes are the main instrument local governments use to plan the development of their regions. Their details concern how land can be used, infrastructure coordination and how the development will be controlled.

A plan six years in the making, one of the scheme's key elements is the idea of increasing the number of people that can walk to the places the work and live in. This will be achieved by allowing residential development on top of retail buildings in the inner city, and new land zones that allow for higher density living. Throughout the 'Regional Centre Zone', the available floor space for commercial and high-density residential development is able to be doubled.

Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said planners had spent the last few months educating developers on the new possibilities

"Bunbury is open for business and I look forward to a creative approach from developers coming forward to enhance and revitalise our city" he said in a press release.

Already the wheels are in motion for some projects, with the Bunbury-based Vukelic Group already having lodged its plans for a multi-storey office, cafe and upstairs residential development on Spencer Street, the South Western Times reported.

What are some highlights of the new scheme?

While the broader themes of the new planning scheme speak towards more opportunity for inner-city living, there are some other specific elements worth mentioning that will help Bunbury grow strongly into the future:

• A new 'Light Industrial Zone' that promotes clean and and high-tech industrial parks,
• A new 'Tourism Zone' along Ocean Drive and other key areas, designed to promote mixed-used development for tourism and lifestyle opportunities,
• Conservation initiatives such as a new reserve as well as the Bushland Areas Special Control Area for hitting biodiversity targets.

The bright future of our city's development is yet another reason living in Bunbury is a great idea. Whether you're looking to buy or rent in the area, get in touch with a member of the Ray White team today.