Heritage Listings

What does this listing mean?

Heritage listing provides formal recognition by Council or the State Government that a place has heritage significance and that the community wants to keep it for future generations. There are two levels of statutory listing:

• Local heritage items listed on heritage schedules to a local council’s Local Environment Plan (LEP). This covers most of the 20,000 heritage items in NSW; or

• State heritage items listed on the State Heritage Register. This list includes only those items which have been identified as having particular importance to the people of NSW.

Owners of heritage-listed properties need to seek approval from council or the Heritage Council of NSW if they wish to make major changes which may affect the heritage significance of the place.

Is my property heritage listed?

The Bega Valley Shire Council has information on local heritage listings. People can check if a property is listed on the Council’s Local Environmental Plan by accessing Council’s website at: www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au under the heading Planning & Development or by contacting Council’s strategic planning department on 6499 2222.

Can I make changes to my heritage-listed property?

Heritage listing is a way of ensuring that any proposed changes to a heritage place respect and retain qualities and characteristics that make it special. Listing doesn’t necessarily mean that you cannot make changes to your property. It does mean that for certain kinds of work you need to get approval from Council or the Heritage Council of NSW. Works such as routine maintenance, repairs and upgrading of services do not normally require approval.

How do I get approval to carry out work?

If your property is listed in Council’s Local Environmental Plan (LEP), you may need Council permission to carry out works to heritage buildings. Details of Council rules relating to heritage items are contained in Part 10 of the LEP.

Works do not require development consent if:

• in the opinion of the Council the proposed development is of a minor nature or consists of maintenance of the heritage item.

• the proposed development would not adversely affect the significance of the heritage item.

• the proponent has notified the consent authority in writing of the proposed development and the consent authority has advised the applicant in writing before any work is carried out that it is satisfied that the proposed development consent is not otherwise required by this plan.

Development consent is required for works such as:

• demolishing, defacing or damaging a heritage item.

• altering a heritage item by making structural changes to its interior.

• altering a heritage item by making structural or non-structural changes to the detail, fabric, finish or appearance of its exterior, except changes resulting from any maintenance necessary for its ongoing protective care which does not adversely affect its heritage significance.

• moving the whole or part of a heritage item.

Council provides the services of a heritage advisor who can assist with heritage related matters. This service is generally free to owners of heritage listed properties, however fees may apply in some cases or for inquiries about non-heritage listed properties. For details on how to access this service please contact Sophie Thomson at Council’s Strategic Planning Department on 6499 2222.

When proposing to make any significant changes to items on the State Heritage Register, contact the Heritage Office for advice on the approval process. The contact number is (02) 9873 8500.