by rob@elementsofhome.com.au | Jun 26, 2023 | Uncategorized | 0 comments
In Victoria, a heritage overlay is a planning tool that identifies areas of local heritage significance. It is applied to planning schemes by local councils, and can include buildings, structures, sites, objects, and landscapes. The overlay provides additional protection for these places, by requiring permits for any changes that could affect their heritage significance.
The heritage overlay outlines when permits are and aren’t required for properties identified in the schedule to the heritage overlay. These properties are identified by a number in the schedule to the overlay which also appears on planning scheme maps.
The purpose of the heritage overlay is to:
- To conserve and enhance heritage places of natural or cultural significance.
- To conserve and enhance those elements which contribute to the significance of heritage places.
- To ensure that development does not adversely affect the significance of heritage places.
- To conserve specifically identified heritage places by allowing a use that would otherwise be prohibited if this will demonstrably assist with the conservation of the significance of the heritage place.
A heritage listed building is a place that has been formally recognised by the state government as being of significant heritage value. These places are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, and are subject to more stringent heritage protection than those covered by a heritage overlay. For example, heritage listed buildings may require permits for even minor changes, such as painting the exterior.
The main difference between a heritage overlay and a heritage listed building is the level of protection they offer. A heritage overlay provides basic protection for places of local heritage significance, while a heritage listed building offers more stringent protection for places of state heritage significance.