There is a much wider variety of local and regional characteristics in both urban and rural WA than is reflected in the low variety of planned development types being approved. Many of them require distinctly different local evaluation and communication/decision making methods. Those considerations and public liaison/discussion strategies appropriate to them should PRECEDE evolution of local structure plans. This would avoid weakening of Local consultative and decision-making authority for future planning of their ‘home’ environments; (for which real ‘community enhancement’ and a ‘distinctive sense of place’ should be preferred planning outcomes).