TBB Reacts: A Boost for Community Housing Delivery?
11 Feb 2025
In this TBB Reacts, we provide an overview of the latest planning reforms to boost community housing delivery.
Last week, the WA Government announced new planning regulations aimed at accelerating community housing delivery. From 30 May 2025, apartment developments that include at least 5% community housing in selected areas will be eligible for the Significant Development Pathway—regardless of project value.
This change is part of the broader planning reform agenda to support affordable housing supply. So, what does this mean for developers, and how does it impact development pathways? TBB Principal Elyse Saraceni breaks down the changes and what they mean.
What’s changing?
Eligibility and some of the processes for the significant development pathway are outlined in the Planning and Development (Significant Development) Regulations, 2024 (Regulations). The current criteria to opt into this pathway, or what is known as prescribed significant development, is monetary – $20 million in the Perth and Peel regions and $5 million elsewhere with some exclusions.
The Regulations will be amended to expand the definition of prescribed significant development. This expanded definition will allow apartment developments that include a minimum 5% community housing in certain locations to access this pathway regardless of their value.
Key eligibility criteria
To qualify for this process:
- The community housing must be delivered by a registered community housing provider upon project completion.
- The development must be in an area where apartments (multiple dwellings) are permitted or discretionary.
- Location requirements:
- Perth and Peel: R30+ coded areas or those without a residential density code, within activity centres (district or higher) or 800m of a train station.
- Regional WA: Within or 800m of a commercial, centre, or mixed-use zone.
The definitions of ‘community housing’ and ‘community housing provider’ align with those used in the DAP Regulations, ensuring consistency across the planning framework.
community housing – housing for people on a very low, low or moderate income, or for people with additional needs, that is provided by a person other than an occupant of the housing.
community housing provider - a body corporate or organisation that has as one of its objectives the provision of community housing.
What does this mean for developers?
This reform creates greater flexibility and options in the planning process for apartment projects that include more affordable options. Developers will now have three assessment pathways to choose from regardless of value:
- Local Government Development Assessment
- Development Assessment Panel (DAP) Process
- Significant Development Pathway (WAPC as decision-maker)
The Significant Development Pathway offers potential benefits, including inter-agency coordination, which may be attractive for complex or time-sensitive projects.
Our reaction
This change aligns with the State’s broader push to boost housing diversity and affordability—a key challenge for WA. By expanding planning pathways, the Government is encouraging more developers to incorporate community housing into apartment projects. However, the practical impact will depend on how widely this pathway is adopted and whether it delivers tangible benefits in terms of approval timeframes and feasibility for developers.
If you would like to discuss the implications for any of your projects or find out more information, please get in touch with your usual TBB contact.
Learn more about how TBB is working together to meet WA's housing needs here.
Read the media release here