Investigation of Tree Streets Heritage Area and Local Planning Policy

The project is now completed - Council Decision 083/24 of 14 May 2024. Decision was to not proceed with the heritage area or associated local planning policy.

The City of Bunbury is investigating the Tree Streets Area being a designated heritage area.

Heritage is important for the community and has environmental, economic and social benefits as a resource for present and future generations. Local governments are responsible for reviewing their town planning schemes and formulating local planning policies to ensure the heritage assets within their jurisdiction are conserved for future generations.

The City recognises the importance of identifying, assessing and managing heritage places within its local government area to align with contemporary community values.

Tree Streets Heritage Area and Draft Local Planning Policy

City of Bunbury has prepared a Draft Tree Sreets Heritage Area Local Planning Policy following an independent heritage assessment which identified the significance of properties located in the area, along with a desire to conserve and enhance to conserve and enhance the heritage and character of the location.

Please see the Draft Tree Streets Heritage Area Local Planning Policy in the Document Library (right-hand side of this page).

The proposal relates to an area in Bunbury bound by Spencer and Oakley streets, Sampson Road, Picton Crescent, Irwin, Wattle, and Williams streets and Beach Road. Refer to Tree Street Heritage Area Proposed Boundary in the Document Library.

The draft Local Planning Policy includes:

  • a map showing the boundaries of the heritage area
  • a statement about the heritage significance of the area
  • a record of places of heritage significance in the heritage area
  • design guidelines for any new development or additions in the area

The City extended the public comment period for another two weeks, given community interest and to allow more time for residents to make a submission. The public comment is now closed. 

See the FAQ and Document Library on this page for more information, keep an eye on the Latest News section (blue button below) or please get in touch for any questions or updates.

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  • Council resolved to support the investigation of a designated heritage area

    Ordinary Council Meeting on the 31st January 2023

  • City prepare a draft Local Planning Policy
  • The Heritage Advisory Committee review draft Local Planning Policy before presenting it to Council for consideration

    Heritage Advisory Committee on 24 May 2023

  • Resolution to proceed to publicly advertise the proposed Tree Streets Heritage Area and associated draft Local Planning Policy

    Ordinary Council Meeting on the 27 June 2023

  • Public consultation - Feedback on the investigation of a Heritage Area and draft Local Planning Policy

    Public consultation period extended by two weeks, submissions can now be made from 11 July 2023 - 4 September 2023

  • Public Information Session #1

    8 August 2023

  • Review feedback from consultation
  • Public Information Session #2

    15 March 2024

  • Officer recommendation to Heritage Advisory Committee

    10 April 2024

  • Decision - Council consider Officer and Heritage Advisory Committee recommendation

    14 May 2024

On 31 January 2023, the Bunbury City Council resolved to support the proposal of a designated heritage area for what is known as the Tree Street Area.

How did the review of the Local Heritage Survey come about?

The City’s Local Planning Strategy commits to a comprehensive review of the Local Heritage Survey. One of the priority locations raised to be assessed was that known as the “Tree Streets”, based on concerns raised by community members.

To inform the Council decision, the City engaged independent heritage architect Stephen Carrick Architects, in association with historian Clare Menck to undertake an initial heritage assessment of the Tree Street Area to identify properties that contribute to the heritage significance and to assist in proposing a boundary for the heritage area. A copy of the heritage assessment can be found in the Document Library on this site.

The City, with the assistance of heritage professionals Stephen Carrick Architects undertook an initial heritage assessment of the area to understand its heritage value and if it warranted initiating the heritage area process. Street surveys and desktop research were conducted to inform the assessment which was based on the Guidelines for Heritage Areas by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.

The Tree Street Heritage Assessment was presented to the Heritage Advisory Committee and then Council in January 2023: 

1. To note the Tree Street Heritage Area Assessment Report and support the proposal of a designated heritage area;

2. To prepare a local planning policy for the proposed ‘Tree Street Heritage Area’ that sets out the following –

a. a map showing the boundaries of the heritage area;

b. a statement about the heritage significance of the area;

c. a record of places of heritage significance in the heritage area;

d. design guidelines;

3. Present the draft local planning policy to Council for review prior to endorsement to proceed with public consultation;

4. Present an engagement plan proposal for conducting public consultation.

The City proceeded with the drafting of the Local Planning Policy. 

This is not the first time the City has considered the Tree Streets for a heritage area. In 2004, the City of Bunbury commissioned an investigation into the cultural heritage significance of the Tree Street Area. The initial investigation was undertaken by Considine and Griffiths Architects with Historian Robin Chinnery. During the 2004 analysis of the Tree Street Heritage Area, the study area included Karri Street, Jarrah Street, Banksia Street, Stockley Road, Beach Road and included a section of Tuart Street from Sampson Road to Beach Road. The finalisation of a heritage area did not proceed at that point due to differing views amongst the community. This work has been given consideration through the review process.

Public Information Session No. 2 15th March 2024

Public Information Session No. 2 15th March 2024 at 4pm at the Council Function Room. The public information session will include a presentation on the themes from the submissions, the steps moving forward and time for questions. No RSVPs are required and the presentation will be made available after the session.

Public Consultation Period

The public consultation period was held from the 11th July - 4th September 2023 with the following activities:

- The City has sent letters to all landowners and occupiers.

- There was opportunity to meet with City staff one-on-one to discuss the proposal.

- Bunbury Mayor Jaysen Miguel, Council members and City of Bunbury staff held a public information session regarding the proposal on Tuesday, 8 August 2023 from 6.30pm at the City of Bunbury Function Room.

Whats next?

The City is currently reviewing the submissions and will provide an update to all landowners with the next steps.

Public Information Session 8th August 2023

A public information session was held on the 8th August at 6:30pm at the Council Function room. A copy of the presentation from the public information session can be found in the Document Library on the right hand side of the page. Please feel free to contact the City to discuss further.

Updated FAQs - Relationship to other Local Planning Policies

Please note that only proposed Local Planning Policy 4.3 Local Planning Policy for Heritage Conservation and Development is subject to consultation, however there may be adminstrative considerations applicable as contained in Local Planning Policy 6.1 and Local Planning Policy for Heritage Conservation and Development and 6.2 Local Planning Policy for Heritage Listing, Assessment and Concessions.

Local Planning Policy 4.3 details this in Clause 5.1 Relationship to Planning Framework

This Policy is made pursuant to Schedule 2, Part 2 of the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015 (Regulations) and Part 7 of the Residential Design Codes. It is to be read in conjunction with the relevant Local Planning Scheme (the Scheme) and all relevant local planning policies. In accordance with the Planning and Development Act 2005 where the Scheme, structure plan or any other plan is inconsistent with this Policy the Scheme provision(s) shall prevail unless specifically stated in the LPP as an approved variation. Where an inconsistency exists between this Policy and another adopted local planning policy, this Policy prevails to the extent of the inconsistency.

Public Information Session for proposed Tree Streets Heritage Area and associated Local Planning Policy 4.3

Bunbury Mayor Jaysen Miguel, Council members and City of Bunbury staff will hold a public information session regarding the proposal on Tuesday, 8 August 2023 from 6.30pm at the City of Bunbury Function Room. The session will be an opportunity for residents to ask questions and chat to Council and City staff.

Some Quick Facts

During the current public consultation period, there has been a number of queries from interested home owners. The City responses in relation to those queries are included here for your information.