THE $10.8 million rebuild of the burnt-down Mt Lawley primary school won the tick of approval from the local development assessment panel on Monday afternoon.
The 100-year-old school was destroyed last July by two teenage arsonists later sentenced to eight months’ gaol.
The WA finance department’s plans will replace the fire-damaged buildings with a covered assembly block, two-storey library and teaching block, three outdoor learning areas, new courts, and reconstruction of most of the historic Second Avenue facade.
The DAP report notes Stirling city council was, “not supportive of the proposal and has provided a recommendation for a re-design”.
The majority of the five-member DAP panel is appointed, not elected. It has the power to approve developments regardless of opposition from elected councils.
DAP chair Paul Dreschler says all DAP members, including its two elected representatives, Crs Rod Willox and Giovanni Italiano from Stirling council, supported the application.
“The overall view was that it was a fairly elegant response, a good response for the redevelopment after the fire, so really there were no problems,” Mr Dreschler says.
by DAVID BELL
Perth Voice Interactive 
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