Heritage Advice for Development
Developing on or near heritage-listed properties requires careful navigation of planning controls, heritage significance, and design principles. Trace Heritage provides strategic advice to developers, architects, and planners to ensure development projects achieve both commercial objectives and heritage conservation outcomes.
Early engagement with heritage considerations is the most effective way to avoid costly delays and redesigns during the development application process. We work with project teams from the earliest stages of feasibility and design to identify heritage constraints and opportunities.
Who We Work With
Property Developers
We advise on heritage feasibility during site acquisition, prepare heritage impact assessments for development applications, and represent developers in consultations with council heritage officers. Our goal is to maximise development potential while respecting heritage constraints.
Architects & Designers
We collaborate with design teams to develop heritage-responsive design solutions. Our input helps architects understand which elements of a heritage property can be modified and which must be retained, enabling informed design decisions from the outset.
Town Planners
We provide heritage input for planning proposals, gateway determinations, and strategic planning documents. Our assessments help planners understand heritage values within the broader planning framework.
Local Councils
We assist councils with heritage reviews, LEP amendments, DCP preparation, and peer review of heritage reports submitted with development applications. Charlotte Simons has direct experience as a former Heritage Officer for local government.
How Heritage Affects Development
Heritage considerations can influence a development project in several ways:
- —Heritage items and Heritage Conservation Areas are identified in the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and may restrict certain types of development
- —Council Development Control Plans (DCPs) typically contain heritage-specific controls covering materials, setbacks, height, and design character
- —Applications affecting State Heritage Register items require approval from Heritage NSW under the Heritage Act 1977
- —Heritage incentives may be available, including exemptions from certain planning controls for heritage-listed properties
Contact our team to discuss your heritage project requirements.
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