Victorian councils are responsible for conserving heritage places by applying a heritage overlay to the related land. This applies to heritage constructions such as:
- buildings
- bridges
- memorials
- trees
This means a permit is required for some changes to a heritage listed place.
We're committed to conserving and enhancing City of Whittlesea's local heritage. We also recognise that places need to change to stay usable by our local communities.
That's why we generally support planning permit applications that balance the ongoing use or maintenance of a heritage place with the protection of its heritage significance.
We recently reviewed and updated the Whittlesea Heritage Study, which assesses heritage places in our municipality. The study is now a reference document in the Whittlesea Planning Scheme.
The Whittlesea Heritage Study identified 87 additional places that are historically or culturally significant. These are now protected by a heritage overlay. The review also recommended updates to some existing heritage places.
You can download and read the study to learn more:
City Of Whittlesea Heritage Study Volume 1(PDF, 2MB)
City Of Whittlesea Heritage Study Volume 2(PDF, 8MB)
City Of Whittlesea Heritage Study Volume 3(PDF, 11MB)
City Of Whittlesea Heritage Study 1990(PDF, 42MB)
The heritage overlay is one of the standard planning zones and overlays in Victoria that is applied through the Whittlesea Planning Scheme.
It identifies whether the owner of a heritage place must apply for a Council planning permit before making changes to their property. It aims to ensure that any changes to an identified property consider its heritage significance.
Each heritage place is assigned a heritage overlay number, which is used to identify the place on the Planning Scheme maps and in the associated schedule to the heritage overlay.
Altered permit requirements
The heritage overlay may increase the planning permit requirements that apply to your property.
If your property is heritage listed, you may need a planning permit to:
- construct or extend a building
- construct or display a sign
- subdivide or consolidate land
- lop or remove significant trees
- demolish or remove a building
- externally alter a building.
You should always contact our Building and Planning department on 03 9217 2170 or via email at buildplan@whittlesea.vic.gov.au to find out if you need a planning permit before making alterations or modifications to your heritage listed property.
Public access
You remain the owner of your property. The heritage overlay does not give the public access to your property. It simply sets out what changes to your property need a planning permit.
Restoring your property
A listing on the heritage overlay doesn't mean you must restore your property or return it to its original appearance. If you do choose to make changes you'll need to satisfy the planning permit requirements that apply to your property.
Routine maintenance
In most cases, you won't require a planning permit for routine property maintenance, but you should check with us on 03 9217 2170 if you want to change a building’s colour or materials.
Different uses
The heritage overlay doesn't prohibit any uses beyond those that may already be restricted by your property’s zone. In fact, the heritage overlay may provide an opportunity for alternative uses where these help to conserve or enhance the heritage place or building.
Internal building alterations
It's very rare that you'll need a planning permit to make internal alterations to a heritage building. The Whittlesea Planning Scheme will identify if such restrictions apply to your property.
You can discover the rich heritage of the City of Whittlesea by visiting local historical sites or attending one of our cultural heritage program events.