More homes on horizon for town

A plan to increase the number of residences available for sale in Karratha by converting an entire lot in the Bulgarra suburb took a leap forward recently.

The proposal to rezone Lot 500 Padbury Way from a community reserve to Residential R40 was passed by the City of Karratha council last week, with the document to be sent to the WA Planning Commission for approval.

Close to St Paul’s Primary School and Bulgarra ovals, the site was used for church and community purposes until the mid-2000’s.

The buildings were demolished in 2008.

A City report put to the council said this could provide for an increased population to be lo-cated close to the city centre and open space areas accessible via existing pedestrian and cycle paths.

A City of Karratha spokesperson said the lot had been vacant for years since 2008.

“The proposed zoning for Lot 500 is consistent with the zoning of all surrounding residential lots, so the same development standards will apply.”

The owner of the lot asked the City for the change in April last year, with the council resolving to send Scheme Amendment No. 50 documentation to the Environmental Protection Authority, which responded, stating no assessment was required.