Heritage Citation Review

We're undertaking a Heritage Citation Review, which involves a review of the citation documentation for all properties across the Shire that have heritage controls in place.

Stage One will involve assessments of 218 heritage places in Beechworth, while Stage Two, which is planned for later in the year, will involve assessment of 167 places across the Shire.

This work is critical to the management of the existing places included in the Heritage Overlay. It will give owners a better understanding as to why their property is included in the Schedule to the Heritage Overlay and will help Council staff to better manage significant places within Indigo Shire. The proposed changes will also assist Council to provide equitable outcomes and greater transparency in our decision making regarding the management of heritage places.

Background

We've identified the need to update the statements of significance for all places that are included in the Heritage Overlay as the current statements of significance do not comply with the Planning Practice Note PPN01. New regulations mean that the statements now must be much more comprehensive, which will assist Council with the management of these heritage places and also provide clarity for the owners of these properties.

The project is funded by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) through the establishment of a Regional Planning Hub program. This program provides support to rural and regional councils across Victoria. The program was developed following the Planning and Building Approvals Process Review in 2019 by the Commissioner for Better Regulation.

The updating of the statements of significance and the preparation of guidelines have been identified as a key strategic planning priority and are a key Council Plan action.

What can community influence?

Proposed changes from Stage One of this project will be available for affected landowners to provide feedback prior to the documents being finalised. It is not proposed to include any new places in the Heritage Overlay as part of this project and, as such, input will be limited to owners of affected properties. Once finalised, the proposed changes will require a Planning Scheme Amendment, which will be exhibited in accordance with the Planning and Environment Act 1987. This Planning Scheme Amendment will be prepared in 2025.

How can property owners provide input?

Owners of affected properties within the Heritage Overlay will soon be contacted with a letter detailing the process of this review and advising them to make an appointment with our Heritage Consultant to discuss the proposed changes and what they mean for them.