Heritage and Planning
Shirewide Heritage Study
The pressures of development and damage to previously unrecognised heritage properties led Council to undertake a comprehensive Shirewide Heritage Study in the mid 1990's. The objectives of the study were to provide a better understanding of the Shire's history, development and to identify and record important buildings and sites of heritage value. The findings of the study have resulted in Council adding more than 100 new heritage items to Schedule 1 of the Baulkham Hills Local Environmental Plan 2005.
The Baulkham Hills Local Environmental Plan 2005 includes a schedule of buildings and sites that Council considers to be of heritage significance. These include buildings, trees, archaeological sites and conservation areas. It also contains provisions (Clauses 35-41) which require development approval for most forms of development to a heritage item listed in Schedule 1 and to ensure that the development is undertaken in a manner which is sympathetic to its identified significance.
Baulkham Hills Development Control Plan Part D Section 5 - Heritage
Baulkham Hills Development Control Plan Part D Section 5 - Heritage provides specific guidance and controls for development involving or in the vicinity of a heritage item including alterations, additions, subdivision, and new buildings.
All applications that seek to undertake work to a heritage item must have regard to the provisions of the LEP 2005, BHDCP Part D Section 5 - Heritage and the Burra Charter. Most forms of development will require the preparation and submission of a Heritage Impact Statement with the Development Application.
Click here to view the Baulkham Hills Development Control Plan Part D Section 5 - Heritage.
Heritage Fact Sheets
The following fact sheets answer some commonly asked questions concerning heritage listing and provide advice as to how you can conduct heritage research. They are particularly useful for owners of heritage listed properties and applicants in understanding the meaning of heritage listing and what information should be submitted with a development application. These fact sheets should be read in conjunction with Council's Local Environmental Plan and Baulkham Hills Development Control Plan Part D Section 5 - Heritage.
Fact Sheet 1 - What Does Heritage Listing Mean?
Fact Sheet 2 - Researching Your Home's Heritage
The Burra Charter
The Australian ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance (the Burra Charter) provides the guiding philosophy for the care of important places. The Burra Charter defines the basic principles and procedures to be observed in the conservation of important places. Council uses the Burra Charter as its guiding document in the consideration of development matters that may impact upon items or landscapes of cultural significance.
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