Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Heritage consists of the places and objects that we have inherited from the past and want to pass on to future generations. It defines us as a community: who we are and where we have come from. In other words, it is the things we want to keep. These things can include landmarks, buildings, gardens, views, objects and the stories associated with them.

Cultural heritage significance is assessed on the aesthetic, historic, social and scientific values of a place. The Heritage Council of WA Western Australia (HCWA) has developed criteria to assess the heritage significance of places at a local level. These criteria adhere to well-established best practice in the identification and assessment of heritage places and areas and are used by the City of Subiaco to assess places and areas of local heritage significance. The level of significance of a place is determined by its heritage values and with reference to the issues of Rarity, Representativeness, Authenticity and Condition/Integrity.

For further information on the criteria used to assess heritage significance view the Heritage Assessment Criteria Information Sheet.

The Deemed Provisions of the Planning and Development (Local Planning Scheme) Regulations 2015 require local governments to establish and maintain a Heritage List to identify places that are of cultural heritage significance and deemed worthy of built heritage conservation. 

To be considered for inclusion on the Heritage List a place must be of a level of cultural heritage significance to be deemed by Council as worthy of built heritage conservation. Generally, this only applies to individual places that are identified as having either exceptional (level 1) or considerable significance (level 2) to the City. Places identified as being of some significance (level 3) are only referred to Council for consideration for inclusion in the Heritage List upon the receipt of a written request from the owner of that property.

Places included on the Heritage List are subject to greater development controls than other places. These controls are necessary to protect and enhance cultural heritage values.

Yes it can. Inclusion on the Heritage List does not mean that a property cannot be changed, in fact some works ensure a place is appropriate for contemporary use, however, each application is assessed on its own merit.

Local Planning Policy 3.5 - Development guidelines for places included on the Heritage List (LPP 3.5) provides comprehensive guidance on how to make changes to a heritage listed property.

Inclusion on the Heritage List does not change the density of the land however any new development will generally only be supported if it does not adversely impact the cultural heritage significance of the place. This means that in some cases full development potential is unlikely to be achieved. The City can vary any development requirements that would normally apply to enable positive heritage conservation outcomes through Local Planning Policy 3.3 – Exercising discretion under Clause 12 of the Deemed Provisions (LPP 3.3). This could include variations to development standards such as setbacks or building height and others.

The City is committed to assisting owners to conserve heritage places wherever possible and has developed a range of assistance measures. Owners of places on the Heritage List are eligible for a range of heritage incentives offered by the City including:

• grant funding for conservation works
• complimentary expert heritage advice and guidance from a heritage advisor
• waiving of planning (development) application fees in certain circumstances
• planning incentives in the form of variations to any requirement of the Local Planning Scheme to facilitate the built heritage conservation of a place. 

No, heritage listing does not affect ownership or access.  Places remain the property of the owner, and the owner's rights remain the same as with non-listed places.

The decision to include a place on the Heritage List is made by a resolution of Council. In considering the inclusion of a place on the Heritage List, Council will have regard to its cultural heritage significance and any submissions received during the public consultation period, with particular regard given to the submissions of property owners.

The City’s heritage officer is available during office hours to answer any questions. Residents can either phone in and/or arrange a meeting. 

Pease contact Sofia Boranga, Coordinator Heritage and Projects, on (08) 9237 9222 or email heritage@subiaco.wa.gov.au.