The City of Stirling council has voted to amend local planning policies, introducing new restrictions on roller shutters and window materials in the suburbs of Mt Lawley, Menora, and Inglewood. The changes aim to preserve the character of heritage-protected areas.
Policy Changes and Scope
The council voted 14-1 to update planning rules, effective from the second half of the year. Key provisions include:
- A prohibition on installing roller shutters where they are visible from the street in the designated heritage suburbs.
- Roller shutters not visible from the street may be permitted subject to assessment through a development application.
- Previously approved roller shutters are exempt and do not need to be removed.
- Roll-down shutters are discouraged for non-residential developments in residential and private community purpose zones across the entire city.
- A ban on PVC window frames in Mt Lawley and Menora.
- A prohibition on loading docks, overhead doors, and other service entries on Beaufort Street frontages, with such features to be minimized on other street-facing facades.
Rationale from Council Documentation
A council report stated that roller shutters are not characteristic of traditional housing forms. The report indicated that shutters can detract from visual cohesion and heritage appeal by obscuring original windows and architectural detailing. It further noted that the typical installation method can cause permanent damage to original masonry.
"The change provides clarity by formalizing previously informal policy discouragement of shutters visible from the street." — City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin
Resident and Industry Feedback
Community members have argued that roller shutters provide security and reduce noise. Industry representative Anthony Drysdale of WA Home Installations observed that the popularity of roller shutters has grown over the past decade. He noted that while not visually appealing to some, they improve security, insulation, and noise reduction, and can deter break-ins and reduce energy costs.