Projects That Do Not Require a Planning Permit

Under the heritage overlay, no planning permit is required for ‘repairs' or routine maintenance which do not change the appearance of the heritage place. The repairs must be undertaken to the same details, specifications and materials. 

Eligible projects may include: 

• Re-roofing
• Masonry repairs
• New guttering
• Painting using appropriate colours
• Timber repair in window sills, verandah floors and facades

Projects That Require a Planning Permit

Projects that do require a planning permit are eligible for funding, provided a current planning permit has already been obtained.  

Such projects may include:

• Reinstatement of lost features, such as verandahs, pergolas or wooden sash windows
• A new front fence in an appropriate style

Non-Eligible Projects

The following work is not eligible for funding: 

• Works that require planning permission and have not been granted a permit at the time of grant application
• New additions or extensions (unless they are a reconstruction of an original element)
• Works on non-significant and non-heritage buildings or features
• Works on non-contributory properties within a heritage precinct
• Internal works where internal controls don’t apply
• Works that have already been completed or started prior to application for a grant
• Architectural and engineering services, cost estimates, preparation of drawings etc.
• Improvements to energy efficiency such as insulation
• Labour by the owner or applicant of the project 

Please note: a property may only receive one grant per financial year. Council reserves the right to grant a lesser amount than was applied for.

Lodge an Application

While the Heritage Assistance Grant is open, applications can be lodged online to the Strategic Planning Unit with the following documentation:

• Proof of $10 million public liability insurance (usually part of your home and contents insurance)
• Copies of at least two quotes for the project to provide evidence of the value of the works proposed
• Plans, diagrams or a written description of the proposed works
• Include photographs that:
     - clearly show the need for the project
     - highlight the part of the building or feature covered by the application, and
     - show a general view of the façade of the property (as much of the façade as practical)
   

Each application for funding will be evaluated, with priority given to projects that: 

• Involve urgent works that prevent loss of significant fabric (e.g. structure stabilisation, prevention of water ingress, roof repairs, gutters)
• Reconstruct original detail (e.g.  removing paint from originally unpainted surfaces, reinstating an original verandah)
• Involve works to the main significant building, rather than works to ancillary structures (e.g. fence or shed)
• Enhance the appearance of the property from the street. 

Priority will also be given to properties that have not previously received funding. 

As part of the evaluation, a site inspection may be conducted if it is considered appropriate.



 

Funding may be revoked at any time due to unsatisfactory work, failure to meet the specified deadlines, misleading or false disclosure of information, non-disclosure, or misuse of funds by the recipient. 

It is a condition of funding that the owner agrees:

• Not to seek removal of the property from the Heritage Overlay
• To use the funding only to carry out the works listed in the approved project
• To obtain all necessary approvals or permits prior to carrying out the works
• To allow Council to use video, photographs or details of the works in its heritage promotional material