Working with heritage overlays in inner Melbourne

A large proportion of homes in Melbourne's inner east and inner north sit within a Heritage Overlay under the relevant council's planning scheme. If your home is affected, this does not mean you cannot renovate or extend. It does mean that certain works require a planning permit, and the approach to design and materials will be shaped by heritage guidelines.

Heritage overlays are designed to protect the character of an area or a specific building, not to prevent all change. Generally speaking, works to the rear of a property or internally are treated more permissively than works to the front facade or roof.

Common works that typically require a permit under a Heritage Overlay include: changes to the front facade, roof alterations visible from the street, additions above the existing roof line, and removal of period fabric such as chimneys, verandahs or original windows.

Works that are often exempt include internal alterations, like-for-like repairs and maintenance, and rear additions that are not visible from the street.

The best starting point is a pre-application meeting with your council's heritage planner. This is usually free and can give you a clear sense of what will and will not be supported before you invest in design fees.

We have worked extensively with heritage properties across inner Melbourne and are experienced in building to heritage specifications. If you are planning a project on a heritage property, we are happy to talk through the practical implications.