Planning Minister John Day has approved amendment 458 to the City of Stirling Town Planning Scheme No. 2, which introduces planning guidelines for the redevelopment of land in Scarborough.

"Scarborough is a major metropolitan location and tourist destination that will benefit from revitalisation and improvement,” Mr Day said.

"The amendment encourages much-needed enhancement of the area by providing a range of new, affordable and upmarket residential options and additional short stay tourism accommodation.

“The amendment will also substantially increase commercial activity on land flanking West Coast Highway and Scarborough Beach Road, thereby revitalising the social and cultural environment of the area.

"The urban design and built form guidelines relate to land use, residential density, setbacks and pedestrian movement to encourage mixed use, commercial and residential development in pockets of Scarborough.

"Building height and floor space bonuses are available in portions of the amendment area to proponents who provide commercial activity at ground level; a mix of residential dwelling sizes, of which a number are designated for tourism accommodation and contribute to the cost of public infrastructure improvements in the area.

"It is envisioned that height across the area will generally be between four and eight storeys, with three sites awarded a bonus of four storeys to a maximum height of 12 storeys when additional public benefit is included.

"Two sites at the intersection of West Coast Highway and Scarborough Beach Road, currently occupied by the BP service station and Scarborough Fair Markets, are eligible for height bonuses if public parking facilities are provided on site.

"The third site, the White Sands Tavern, is also eligible for a height bonus if vehicle and pedestrian access is provided linking West Coast Highway and Hastings Street. The intended redevelopment of this site can now move forward.

"The redevelopment of Scarborough will provide an increase in activity and liveliness to create an exciting destination for residents and visitors.

"The amendment accords with State planning policy and the City of Stirling’s Scarborough Environs Area Strategy which aims to promote and enhance the amenity and vibrancy of this significant coastal node.”

The Minister did not agree to five lots in Diego Court being included in the amendments, as they were not included in the proposal which was originally advertised.  Any proposal for these lots should be the subject of a separate amendment so that adjoining or nearby landowners can have sufficient opportunity to comment.

Another significant development in Scarborough is the proposal to redevelop Rendezvous Observation City into residential apartments and to build a smaller hotel.

This application is currently before the State Administrative Tribunal and will be determined by the Planning Minister, as the previous Minister had called in the application for review due to the regional significance of the site.

In determining the application, Mr Day will balance community expectations, commercial realities and the need to provide tourism accommodation with good planning for the area.

The State Administrative Tribunal is due to make its recommendations to the Minister in the first half of 2009.