Planning proposal to preserve and protect heritage places
Published on 24 October 2025
The City of Whittlesea is seeking to update its existing Heritage Overlay provisions to improve decision-making and streamline planning permit processes.
The proposed amendment aims to update the information and details for a number of sites already included in the Heritage Overlay.
Councillors resolved at Tuesday night’s Council Meeting to request authorisation from the Minister for Planning to prepare and exhibit the proposed Planning Scheme Amendment C280wsea.
If the Minister for Planning approves Council’s request to exhibit the proposed amendment, affected property owners and occupiers will be contacted to provide feedback during a comprehensive community consultation process.
The Heritage Overlay is Council’s primary planning instrument to conserve and enhance heritage places of natural or cultural significance.
These controls ensure proposed changes to properties included in the overlay do not detract from the heritage value of sites like farm complexes, churches, cemeteries, schools, bridges, buildings, houses and homesteads.
A recent review of the Heritage Overlay recommended updates to 66 existing sites in need of additional or updated heritage citations and Statements of Significance.
In addition, a further seven were identified as requiring other site-specific changes, making a total of 73 sites affected by the proposed amendment.
Having more detailed and accurate information will help Council make informed decisions and streamline assessments of development proposals and permit applications.
The updates to the register will also provide greater clarity for developers and property owners when lodging applications with Council.
No new places are proposed to be added to the Heritage Overlay as part of this amendment process.
Quotes attributable to City of Whittlesea Mayor, Councillor Martin Taylor:
“Heritage plays a vital role in the City of Whittlesea’s community identity by providing a lasting link to rich cultural and natural history,” he said.
“Heritage places boost our local economy through tourism and allow future generations to enjoy and learn from these significant sites.
“The proposed amendment will ensure that Council, as well as developers and property owners, have access to the most accurate information about our precious heritage sites.
“This will help to inform decision-making and streamline the planning permit process.”