Halls Head Sutton Farm future on agenda

The development of the historical area has been a community debate since the site was bought by local businessman Paul Lance in late 2013, with the intention of enhancing the area and bringing back some life into the property.

Mr Lance plans to build new dwellings around the three heritage buildings, which would be kept for toursim purposes such as a restaurant, a small bar or short stay accommodation.

The site’s development plan was approved and submitted to the WA Planning Commission by City of Mandurah early this year for consideration.

However, due to changes in planning regulation that would see the City lose control over development outcomes for the site, the City was asked to consider an amendment to the initial plan.

The new amendment would see the land use change from tourism to special use, which would protect the area from the establishment of a nightclub or a tavern, otherwise permitted. 

It would also shed some control over building principles, such as height, materials, boundaries, setbacks and potential subdivisions in the block.

Any development or subdivision on site would now require council approval, and a minimum distance of six metres would be required between the heritage buildings and any new development.

Councillor Fred Riebeling said the recommendation cemented what the City had been trying to achieve on the site all along.

He also said the site’s heritage needed to be protected, since it had proven to be significant to the local community.  

City of Mandurah planning committee members voted unanimously in favour of the amendment, that would still need to be approved by council in the next ordinary meeting.

The item will be discussed in the next council meeting on October 11.