Heritage Permits
With our more than 30 years’ experience in heritage management practice, statutory controls and the authorities who administer them, RBA are able to help you demystify and smooth the often complex heritage permit application process.
We can help you get your Heritage Permit.
Embedded in our heritage management system is the key principle that change is supported. Simply put, if we want to future-proof our heritage places, it is vital that we allow for their modernisation and adaption to contemporary standards. Achieving balanced outcomes between conservation and change is a core skill of the RBA team.
In Australia, heritage places are typically listed at either a State or Local government level (places can also be listed a National and World heritage level). RBA are well acquainted with the system from both sides of the permit application process, being heritage advisors to the City of Melbourne, and in the past for Merri-bek and Port Phillip city councils.
You can find out your property's listing status via the following links in Victoria, NSW, Tasmania, South Australia.
Or get in touch and have a conversation with one of our Heritage Consultants.
As a standard, we provide an efficient and helpful three stage service to get your project approved.
Stage 1 – Heritage Values Review
A crucial precursor to us being able to effectively analyse and comment on the proposed building works at your heritage place is unravelling the unique heritage opportunities and constraints which apply to your site.
The process is akin to a SWOT analysis – identifing Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.
We carry out a site inspection, historical research, and distil the applicable statutory controls and prepare a succinct, in-confidence report describing the heritage opportunities and constraints in the context of your development aspirations or requirements. Ideally this advice is provided at a conceptual design level, and provides the basis for the guidance provided in Stage 2.
Stage 2 – Heritage Impact Assessment
In this design development phase, we work collaboratively with our clients to provide practical support and resolve a mutually beneficial and approvable design outcome. Areas of noncompliance are identified early and we assist to resolve clever and sensitive solutions.
At this stage, pre-application meetings are recommended and can provide a valuable opportunity to gauge an authority’s likely position on the proposal and understand any potential Permit Conditions. RBA are effective at communicating and negotiating with the relevant authorities. We can attend pre-application meetings with you or negotiate with authorities on your behalf.
Stage Three – Heritage Impact Statement
Once the design is finalised, RBA can prepare a detailed and compelling Heritage Impact Statement (HIS) to accompany your permit application.
A HIS is a detailed report containing a description of the proposal and an assessment of it's likely impact on a place’s heritage values. Heritage Victoria typically require a HIS for changes to places listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, and local councils are also increasingly requesting them.
Click here for further information on Heritage Impact Statements.
