COCKBURN council is a step closer to forming a panel of experts to give councillors advice about complex planning proposals, with four members and a chair ready to be installed.

Staff have recommended architect and Murdoch University strategic manager Barbara Gdowski head the panel.

Ms Gdowski was formerly a senior project manager with Landcorp and for eight years ran a review panel charged with overseeing the design of the Cockburn Central town centre.

Also awaiting appointment are architects Dominic Snellgrove, Peter Hobbs, David Barr and Chris Melsom.

Mr Melsom also has planning qualifications under his belt, while Mr Hobbs is a registered builder.

The panel will provide advice to the council for developments over three storeys, apartment blocks of 20 or more, or for proposals that would automatically be determined by the state-controlled Development Assessment Panel.

It won’t look at Landcorp-controlled sites such as the Cockburn Coast, or North Coogee as Fraser’s Property Group already funds a design review process.