Planning reforms in WA will speed up building

Western Australia's Minister for Planning, John Day, announced planning proposals that will reduce time for construction and help small businesses in the state.

In a November 18 statement, the minister revealed the anticipated law change would remove the need for planning approval of R-Code (residential design codes) compliant single dwellings or improvements.

Although building permits will still be required, this will mean a quicker process for tradies who are engaged to concrete new patios or builders who are constructing a granny flats for customers.

Don't hop into your excavator just yet, as the law is not set in stone. Submissions are open until January 30 2015, with the changes to be finalised in the middle of the year.

President of the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia David Airey applauded the move by the government.

"On behalf of all property owners and investors, I congratulate the government for these milestone changes which will not only reduce red tape delays, but potentially save people who are leasing, building or simply renovating, thousands of dollars. Not to mention time and frustration," said Mr Airey.

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) noted that the benefits won't be limited to those working in residential construction either. Reducing the need for approvals will give councils more latitude to inject planning resources into other areas.

"The changes will also free up scarce planning resources and allow councils to focus their attention on strategic planning matters and more complex development proposals," said HIA Western Australia Executive Director John Gelavis.

The Property Council of Australia also welcomed the announcement, saying that the proposed law changes would help WA to meet its growth requirements in the future. This could mean more work coming for those building roads or working on infrastructure projects.