What is a structure plan?
A structure plan outlines the proposed layout and potential staging of development areas, and provides the framework to guide landowners, developers, relevant agencies and decision makers when considering subdivision and development proposals.
In addition to illustrating land use classifications, road configuration, development densities and built form outcomes, a structure plan can show the location of community facilities such schools and public open space, environmental and hazard buffer areas, plus transportation and utility service corridors.
Structure plans are to be prepared and adopted prior to subdivision or development of land within Development (Structure Planning) Areas as identified on Special Control Area Map 3 and listed in Schedule 12 of the City of Armadale Town Planning Scheme No. 4, or where required by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) for the purposes of orderly and proper planning.
District Structure Plan vs Local Structure Plan
A District Structure Plan generally addresses the major structural elements of future urban, industrial or rural development areas, potentially covering multiple suburbs or even multiple local government areas, and can identify major roads, regional or district open spaces, utility servicing, and environmental conditions. A district structure plan can provide the basis for future zoning and inform detailed planning through local structure plan preparation.
There are two types of local structure plans. A Standard Structure Plan generally depicts the intended zoning and subdivision layout of urban, industrial or rural development areas. A Precinct Structure Plans (previously called an Activity Centre Plan) can also address the above, plus provide development guidance for built form and the public realm, and applicable to activity centres, station precincts, urban corridors, mixed use, and higher density residential areas.
Structure Plan Process
The Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015 outlines the requirements and procedures to prepare a standard structure plan or a precinct structure plan.
The WAPC’s WA Planning Manual – Guidance for Structure Plans further explains the differences between standard and precinct structure plans, and outlines the required information to be submitted to the local government. The WA Planning Manual also includes an application template and flowchart of the process.
The suite of studies required to support and inform a structure plan can be comprehensive and cover range of economic, social and environmental issues, and potential impacts of development. Engagement of appropriate expertise is necessary when preparing a structure plan and supporting information.
Special Note - Expired and Revoked Structure Plans
Pursuant to the City of Armadale Town Planning Scheme No. 4 and Schedule 2 Deemed Provisions, Part 4, cl. 28 (1) & (2) of the Planning and Development (Local Planning Scheme) Regulations 2015, the ten-year duration of approval of many structure plans lapsed on 19 October 2025 and onwards therefore expiring, and are no longer applicable, listed below or shown on online Intramaps.
The City completed an audit of expiring structure plans and received approval from the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) for extension for various structure plans. The WAPC however did not grant an approval extension for the Araluen Country Club Estate (Roleystone) Subdivision Guide Plan (DA 10). The City also continues to normalise the zoning of structure plan areas through amendments to Town Planning Scheme No. 4 and structure plan revocation when necessary.
More Information and Contact
Please contact the City’s Planning Services Team for more information on structure plans on 9394 5000 or via info@armadale.wa.gov.au.
For structure plans within DevelopmentWA jurisdiction, please refer to DevelopmentWA - Shaping our State's future - Armadale.
For district and local structure plans relevant to the City of Armadale, please refer to WAPC - City of Armadale Planning Information.
Alternatively you can search for current structure plans via the City of Armadale online Intramaps system available via Maps and Zoning, or as listed below by suburb: