If you own an old home and find yourself wanting to know if your property is heritage, if you are considering buying and you want to know if it is heritage listed, or if you want to do renovations or extensions to a heritage place, it is important to go through the proper processes.
There are different types of heritage lists.
- The Heritage Code in the planning scheme lists places that are of significance at the local level (i.e. that demonstrate the history of Glenorchy).
- The Tasmanian Heritage Register (THR) lists places that are significant at a state level.
The reasons for heritage listing can be because the place is of archaeological, architectural, historical, community, technical, associative or scientific value.
You can check for heritage listings at:
- Heritage Tasmania website
- In tables GLE-C6.1, C6.4 and C6.5 within the Local Historic Heritage Code under the draft Local Provisions Schedule
Development applications
If you own a heritage property and want to develop it, you must lodge a planning application with us, unless your proposal is clearly exempt from that.
Exemptions are in the Heritage Code and generally apply to things that will have minimal heritage impact or are routine maintenance, for example, where ‘like for like’ materials are used. Just to be certain, it is a good idea to contact us (for locally listed places) and Heritage Tasmania (for THR listed places) to make sure the activity you are proposing is exempt.
Planning applications for heritage listed places are discretionary, and are publicly advertised for 14 days. Applications for places listed in the Tasmanian Heritage Register go through Council and referred to the Heritage Council for determination. To receive approval under the planning scheme, a proposal must satisfy the applicable Performance Criteria in the Heritage Code.
The best way to maintain old buildings is for the place to be used. Sometimes changes are needed to make the place liveable – a new bathroom, kitchen, heating or electrical work. There is usually no reason why this work cannot occur, however, it is worthwhile getting good advice to help you achieve a workable and heritage-sensitive solution. Consider engaging someone who has experience in design and the conservation of heritage listed places. We can help you with a list of professionals who work in this field, and can provide free basic advice on key conservation principles which can save you time and money.
If you discuss your plans with Council’s Heritage Officer or an Advisor from Heritage Tasmania as early as possible it will help speed up the process.
You application should include:
- a completed application form
- a site plan
- drawings such as elevations, plans and sections
- a current copy of the title documents
- an application fee.
You will need to demonstrate how the proposal satisfies the performance criteria in the Heritage Code.