KALAMUNDA mayor Margaret Thomas has responded to concerns raised during the December City of Kalamunda council meeting about the High Wycombe South industrial area.

As reported in Resident calls for clarity on High
Wycombe buffer history the city was asked to provide a list of all industries operating within the Forrestfield and High Wycombe industrial development zone and their land-use classifications as set out in local planning scheme 3.

The Sultana Road West residents’ primary concern centred on the lack of a buffer between the industrial and residential zones in the area.

They also said the disruptions caused by council approved businesses next door exceeded the classification of light industry, and that the noises and smells emitted were more aptly categorised as general industry.

Residents were concerned they were left with no separation between the two zones and exposed to loud noises and strong odours due to the inappropriate distance management and zoning.

Residents near the Hatch Court light industrial area had similar concerns but were assured the development in their area would be light and not general industry.

Mayor Thomas said she was aware of the Hatch Court residents’ concerns about how roads, buffers, and industrial activity would affect nearby landowners.

“The city also recognises concerns in other locations, however the historical and planning context of the two areas are very different, each with unique challenges,” Ms Thomas said.

“To make sure these impacts are managed, community consultation will be a key part of planning for the Hatch Court light industrial area.

“The aim of the draft Local Planning Policy 35 (LPP 35) is to guide development across the whole precinct in a coordinated way.

“This includes managing traffic, protecting environmental buffers, ensuring smooth transitions between residential areas, and reducing bushfire risk.

“The city will keep residents informed and involved as the planning framework is developed and refined.”

Ms Thomas said the city was guided by
existing frameworks, such as Clause 5.23.1 of LPP No 3 which sets extra rules to manage how industrial and residential areas interact in the Hatch Court light industrial area.

“These rules cover things like traffic management, building setbacks, landscaping and fencing,
building design and façade treatments, environmental buffers and bushfire risk management.

“Development applications will also be assessed under LPS No 3 and other laws, including the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997.

“This ensures that new projects meet the goals of light industrial zones while protecting the amenity of nearby residential areas.”

Ms Thomas said as part of the communications and engagement strategy for Hatch Court residents, stakeholders would be kept informed and involved.

“This will happen through letters, website updates, and Q and A sessions.”

To submit your view to council for consideration, visit the Engage Kalamunda Hatch Court light industrial area webpage.

Comments close at 5pm on Friday, January 16, 2026.