SWAN councillor Rod Henderson, who was referred to as moving a motion that “will indefinitely defer the approvals needed to get on with planning and building” the Brabham high school, says the motion was designed to get the developer to review matters of concern not stop the development process.

On August 17 Transport Minister and West Swan MLA Rita Saffioti said she was deeply concerned City of Swan councillors had decided to indefinitely defer a decision to progress planning for a new high school and new primary school in Brabham.

“The community has asked me to work hard to deliver a new high school in Brabham,’’ she posted on Facebook.

“That’s why in this May Budget we committed $15 million to fast-track planning and early works for the Brabham high school.

“But on Wednesday, a Liberal party councillor moved a motion that will indefinitely defer the approvals needed to get on with planning and building the school.’’

Swan Valley Gidgegannup councillor Rod Henderson, who said he was speaking on his own behalf not the council, said the state government knew the council decision was not a process to stop their development proposal.

“This is a process that is allowed under the regulations for the developer – Peet in this case – to go back and review the matters we have raised concerns about and they were outlined in my motion,’’ he said.

Cr Henderson’s successful motion on the proposed Brabham 3 structure plan said it failed to encompass the land to the immediate west that adjoined Drumpellier Drive, failed to articulate the detail of connections to the new Whiteman train station and so limited the plan as an effective instrument for orderly and proper planning.

In her post Ms Saffioti said the planning process involved councils making decisions on structure plans before the WA Planning Commission could consider them.

“The decision made by the council during the week means the state government cannot progress the delivery of the school,’’ she said.

“It also delays much needed housing – and it should be noted this area was always earmarked for housing and development.

“I have asked the Planning Minister (John Carey) to see what options are available to overcome this hurdle.”

The Education Department said there were currently no public secondary schools within the suburb of Brabham.

A site for a new secondary school in Brabham has been identified in the Brabham Stage 3 Local Structure Plan.

In April Education Minister Tony Buti said the $15m would be invested in detailed planning for the new school to serve families in the rapidly growing area.