THE state government will cut red tape to drive housing development in metro train precincts to boost urban infill and unlock more land for housing around transport hubs.

The government intends to establish the first 10 station precincts to streamline planning decisions and drive higher density near train stations.

Improvement plans and schemes will be established in up to an 800-metre radius around the 10 train stations to facilitate housing development.

The improvement schemes will establish the state as the body that sets the height and zoning density settings within the precincts, and as the responsible decision-maker.

The government has selected the first 10 stations to be subject to improvement plans and schemes which include Bassendean, Ballajura and Redcliffe.

The other locations are Carlisle, Claisebrook, Cottesloe, Glendalough, Morley, Mosman Park and Swanborne.

“While Midland station is not presently included the intention is to add further stations in the future,” a spokesperson for Planning Minister John Carey said.

Consultation with local governments will ensure that development complements the character of each precinct and delivers greater housing diversity.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said Metronet was the biggest investment in public transport in the state’s history and has unlocked massive opportunities for more housing.

“More housing choice around our train station precincts will be critical to supporting our city as it grows, and implementing these improvement plans will ensure we expedite the delivery of new developments for the benefit of the community.”

Planning and Lands Minister John Carey while some councils have done great work and embraced a reform agenda, many have lacked the ability, the will or both to drive the change we need to get more housing out the door.

“We are stepping in to ensure a consistent and streamlined approach to deliver vibrant, mixed-use precincts within walking distance to stations.

“This initiative is one way we are streamlining and simplifying the planning system to accelerate housing supply.”

The Town of Bassendean said the community had embraced higher density development, particularly in the CBD and along the rail corridor, for many years and this was reflected in the town’s local planning scheme 11.

“The town is cautiously optimistic that it can continue to work with the Minister and the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage to expediate higher density residential development in the Town of Bassendean,” they said.

“(Bassendean) recently enabled a 73-unit development at 1 Park Lane, opposite the train station, which is scheduled to commence construction in 2026.

“The town has three train stations within its boundary being Ashfield, Bassendean and Success Hill and is keen to discuss how the latest announcement could be a catalyst for development at already identified sites in Bassendean, and support the planning work for higher-density development around Ashfield Station, while preserving the heritage values of each area.”