Perth Voice Interactive

COUNCILS should have the power to force developers to be more mindful of neighbours, a Stirling councillor says.

Cr Karen Caddy says Stirling has historically had its hands tied when residents complain about a lack of privacy and impacts on the look and feel of their properties caused by nearby construction.

She has the support of her colleagues, and last month they decided to write to the WA local government association about the issue.

The letter will address the uncertainty around what actions the council can take to “control the amenity impacts on neighbours”.

A report, tabled last month, states: “concern has been raised that certain infill developments are adversely affecting the privacy of residents within the city, both during and post construction.

“The current planning framework provides no ability to control visual privacy implications during the construction phase of development.”

Staff have received complaints about privacy, with tradies overlooking nearby properties during construction.

The report concedes complaints are “infrequent” and have “not been quantified”.

Council staff plan on consulting with their Perth counterparts and “if necessary”, the WA government.

The aim is to allow for an increase in housing density, while managing impacts on existing buildings and streetscapes.

by EMMIE DOWLING