The Shire's Planning Services department provides advice regarding the town planning and planning permit application assessment for the Shire of Ashburton.

The Shire has also developed a number of supporting policies to encourage orderly and proper planning within the unique location of the Shire.  Our Local Planning Scheme regulates the land uses within the Shire. 

Buildings and works within the Shire (whether residential, rural or business) may be required to be approved by Council through the Development Application process.

Council is required to assess each planning application in line with the Shire's Local Planning Scheme, the Shire's Local Planning Strategy and any other relevant government policies.

In addition to development approvals, the Shire also provides information, guidance and advice on:

  • Land use and zoning
  • Statutory timeframes
  • Home-based businesses
  • What planning framework is relevant and the land uses that can be considered on a property
  • Planning Compliance
  • Change of use
  • Liquor Licensing (Section 40) matters
  • Environment and Heritage protection
  • Subdivision
  • Crown land enquiries
  • Built heritage matters
  • Local Planning Scheme amendments
  • General advice on Local Planning policy Requirements

Development Requiring Planning Approval

The following are common items/areas that require planning approval in the Shire of Ashburton.

  • Development within or abutting any heritage places or precincts.
  • Variations to the Residential Design Codes (Further information, including R-code assessment templates found here).
  • Variations to Local Planning Policies and the Shire of Ashburton Local Planning Scheme No. 7.
  • Development with a BAL rating of BAL-40 or BAL-FZ
  • Development within Commercial and Industrial zoned areas.
  • Development located within a Special Control Area (SCA) identified within Part 7 of Shire of Ashburton Local Planning Scheme No. 7

Application Assessment Timeframes

In accordance with the Planning and Development Act 2005, statutory timeframes are given to either approve or refuse an application, as per the list below. This timeframe commences 12am the day after payment of the required fees.

Development Application (without advertising)

60 Days

Development Application (with advertising)

90 Days

Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP) Application (without advertising)

60 Days

Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP) Application (with advertising)

90 Days

Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) Application 

90 Days

Fees and Charges

The Planning and Development Regulations prescribe the set fee for all applications. You can determine the application fee by reviewing the ‘Local Planning and ’ section of our current Fees and Charges.

Upon receipt of your complete application, you will be issued a tax invoice, which will include the payment options.

Checklists

Application Forms and Helpful Links