Little Grove, Albany, Preparing for Subdivision

Client: Western Corporate

Overview:

Little Grove is a residential subdivision project located on the southern side of Albany, overlooking the city. The site originally comprised a single long residential lot identified by the client for subdivision into 16 residential lots for future home builders.

While the project initially progressed as a relatively straightforward subdivision application, environmental and bushfire planning considerations introduced additional complexity during implementation.

Harley Dykstra has provided planning, subdivision and project coordination services throughout the project, working closely with the client, consultants and government agencies to achieve a development outcome that balances residential growth with environmental protection.

On site at Little Grove, Albany.

Scope of Work:

Harley Dykstra’s involvement in the Little Grove project includes:

• Preparation and lodgement of the original 16-lot subdivision application

• Management of subdivision approval processes with the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC)

• Coordination of bushfire planning requirements and supporting documentation

• Liaison with environmental consultants undertaking flora and fauna assessments

• Review and redesign of subdivision boundaries to protect significant vegetation identified during environmental investigations

• Preparation and lodgement of a revised subdivision application

• Ongoing consultation with WAPC planning officers and the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH)

• Coordination with the client and local government regarding engineering approvals

• Project management support throughout the planning and approval phases

Following environmental assessments, several areas of vegetation on the site were identified as worthy of retention. Working alongside the client, Harley Dykstra redesigned part of the subdivision layout to protect these areas, including minor adjustments to one lot and the reconfiguration of other lots to create a battle-axe arrangement.

The revised design aims to retain valuable vegetation, minimise earthworks and maintain compliance with bushfire planning requirements, while still delivering the intended residential development outcome.

Current Status:

The original subdivision approval remains in place; however, a revised subdivision application has been lodged with the WAPC to facilitate the updated lot configuration and environmental outcomes.

The application is currently within the assessment phase, following pre-lodgement discussions with planning authorities. Harley Dykstra continues to work closely with the WAPC planning officer and project consultants to progress the revised approval as efficiently as possible.

In parallel, the client is continuing discussions with the City regarding engineering approvals for portions of the development unaffected by the revised application.

Summary:

Little Grove demonstrates Harley Dykstra’s ability to navigate complex planning requirements and adapt subdivision designs in response to environmental and site-specific considerations. By working collaboratively with the client, consultants and approval authorities, the project has evolved from a standard subdivision into a development that seeks to protect significant vegetation while maintaining a practical and compliant residential outcome.

The project highlights the value of integrated planning, project coordination and problem-solving throughout the subdivision approval process.

To find out more, click here: www.harleydykstra.com.au