About the Project
The project focuses on two key components: a review of local heritage policy, including incorporated documents, and the development of comprehensive Heritage Design Guidelines. These two parts will work in tandem to achieve positive heritage outcomes while the Heritage Gaps Review Program progresses.
Several key heritage policies within the planning scheme, which are essential for identifying and protecting heritage places and precincts within the City, will be reviewed as part of this project. These include Clause 15.03-1L, Schedule to Clause 43.01 Heritage Overlay and Incorporate Documents. By updating these policies, the Council will ensure that heritage sites are conserved and managed effectively, providing clear guidance for development and conservation.
The Heritage Design Guidelines will be clear and easy to read documents that show how changes to heritage places can be made in ways that respect their history and character.
These changes may include,
- Repairs,
- Renovations
- New additions
- General updates.
The guidelines will use simple language, diagrams and real life examples to help explain what good design looks like in a heritage context.
In conjunction with the updates to the Local Heritage Policy, the Heritage Design Guidelines will help building designers, property owners, developers and the community understand how best to conserve and manage heritage places now and into the future.
Project Goals
To better conserve Ballarat's unique heritage, now and into the future, this project will:
Why is this project necessary?
This project forms part of the City of Ballarat’s wider program of strategic heritage work, known as the ‘Heritage Gaps Review Program (HGRP)’, to address gaps in heritage protection.
As Ballarat grows, increasing development pressures can put our Heritage places at risk. This project will update and clarify how we conserve and manage heritage sites via planning policy.
The Heritage Policy review and preparation of new Heritage Design Guidelines are critical to ensuring that the City’s heritage places and precincts are adequately conserved and managed while allowing for growth which does not compromise that significance.
How will this help conserve Heritage?
This project will review and update the City of Ballarat’s local Heritage Policies to ensure they are robust and effective in managing and conserving heritage sites.
The project will develop new Heritage Design Guidelines to make it easier for property owners, architects and developers to understand and follow heritage policies. These guidelines will encourage designs that honour and preserve our heritage.
Involving stakeholders and the community ensures that local experiences, knowledge, and values are incorporated into the heritage conservation efforts.
This project updates and standardises local heritage policies and related documents to align with state planning legislation and guidelines, ensuring consistency. It also introduces clear Heritage Design Guidelines to support stakeholders in understanding and consistently applying heritage policies. Together, these measures provide a transparent and reliable framework for decision-making for property owners, the community, and council.
How to get involved
Are you a heritage property owner, real estate agent, developer, architect, draftsperson, building designer or a community member? We want to hear from you!
Your insights are vital role in shaping our Heritage Policies and Heritage Design Guidelines to ensure they strike the right balance between growth, conservation and management of our unique character and heritage.
Click on the link below to get started!
Have your say
How is the current heritage planning process working and what can be improved?
Prefer a paper version? Visit the The Phoenix Customer Service Center at 25 Armstrong Street South, Ballarat to complete and submit a hard copy of the survey. Contact hours are 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday - Closed on public holidays
Or send a completed copy to PO BOX 655 Ballarat VIC 3353
How will your feedback be used?
Your responses will help shape the draft Heritage Guidelines and updates to the Local Heritage Policy. Feedback will be reviewed by Council officers and may inform changes before the documents are finalised.
