Developing a property with a heritage overlay

A heritage overlay on a property means you must get a planning permit for all external changes, including front fences and sometimes for painting, internal alterations and removing or pruning trees.

Whole or partial demolition in a heritage overlay

You need a planning permit for whole or partial demolition of any building or structure, including fences, sheds, garages out buildings.

Meet with a heritage advisor from Council

Before you develop or demolish a property in a heritage overlay, you are enouraged to make an appointment to meet with Council’s Heritage Advisor. The Heritage Advisor can tell you what parts of your property should be protected. This service is free.

Council’s Heritage Advisor is available for meetings 1 day a week. Appointments with the Heritage Advisor can be made by contacting the Urban Development Branch on 9240 1111. To make the most of the meeting, bring photos, pictures and plans about your project.

Applying for a planning permit in a heritage overlay

1. Contact Council and ask about the type and extent of heritage controls on the property. Council may talk to you about other planning issues too.
2. Arrange a pre-application meeting with an Urban Planner and Heritage Advisor from Council. More than one meeting may be needed.
3. Ask for copies of Council's checklists for applying for a planning permit.
4. Fill in a planning permit application form (PDF 666Kb) and submit it to Council with the necessary fee in person or by post with the correct documents.

Files

• Guidelines for alterations and additions to detached houses in heritage areas (DOC 3Mb)
• Guidelines for alterations and additions to detached houses in heritage areas (PDF 1006Kb)
• Guidelines for fences in heritage areas (PDF 4Mb).

Links

• Department of Planning and Community Development (Heritage) website has information about heritage places and what heritage listing means for landowners.
• Moreland Planning Scheme online