If your property is in a Heritage Overlay, any works that affect the heritage significance of the building or place require a planning permit. But this does not mean development is impossible — it means it needs to be done thoughtfully.
What Triggers a Permit in a Heritage Overlay?
Heritage Overlay permit requirements vary depending on the schedule, but commonly include demolition, construction of a new building or extension, internal alterations affecting heritage fabric, and changes to external colour.
Design Principles for Sympathetic Infill
The key principle guiding development in heritage areas is sympathetic infill — new works should respect and not diminish the heritage significance of the place.
- New work must be distinguishable from heritage fabric
- Materials respond to but do not replicate heritage
- Scale and massing subservient to heritage building
- Rear additions preferred over front additions
Victorian Heritage Register Properties
Properties listed on the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR) are subject to a higher level of heritage protection administered by Heritage Victoria, not council, and typically require Heritage Impact Assessments.