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".

Heritage suggests 'keeping' aspects of the built and natural environment for future generations, those places which are of such value that “they enrich people’s lives, often providing a deep and inspirational connection to community and landscape, to the past and lived experience. They are historical records that are tangible expressions of Australian identity and experience.” (Illustrated Burra Charter, 2004, p.10.)

The protection of that heritage through legislative provisions is part of that recognition. Heritage significance is embodied in the place itself, in the whole of the building, and is defined in terms of the aesthetic, historic, scientific, social or spiritual value for past, present or future generations.

Character refers to a place’s streetscape aesthetic and appeal.

Neighbourhood character is essentially the combination of the public and private domains. It is what we see and experience from the street where the different elements, for example the size of verges, street trees, setbacks and the scale and bulk of the buildings, all combine to form the character of that particular area. Every property, public place or piece of infrastructure makes a contribution, whether large or small. It is the cumulative impact of all these contributions that establishes neighbourhood character.

As noted in State Planning Policy 3.5 Historic Heritage Conservation it is important to distinguish between ‘historic heritage significance’ and ‘urban character’. Areas of ‘historic heritage significance’ are select areas with special qualities embodied in the built form, will generally be quite rare within a locality and will have some form of underlying aesthetic, social, scientific or historic cultural heritage value. The retention (i.e. prohibition of demolition) of contributory buildings is important to protect areas of historic heritage significance.

Urban character can essentially be identified by the built form and age of an area and its relationship with the surrounding streetscape, open space, land use and activity. Different combinations of these factors help create local distinctiveness and character.

Local Heritage Survey (not legally binding)

A Local Heritage Survey identifies local heritage places in a systematic manner and provides base cultural and historic information for the community and local authority. Heritage surveys can assist local governments to develop local conservation policies and provide information about local heritage required under Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015.

Heritage List (legally binding)

A Local Heritage List provides additional protection to places of cultural heritage significance, whereby Councils are able to refuse the demolition of a place on a heritage list based on heritage grounds. The Town of Victoria Park does not currently have a heritage list in operation. This review and update of the Local Heritage Survey will provide recommendations for places to form the Town’s Local Heritage List.

State Register of Heritage Places (legally binding)

Some places and heritage areas within a local government area may also be assessed by the Heritage Council of WA for inclusion on the State Register of Heritage Places providing legal protection under the Heritage Act 2018. These places are significant at a statewide level.

National Heritage and UNESCO World Heritage Listing

There is also a National Heritage List as well as the UNESCO World Heritage List for places of national and global cultural heritage significance.

The Heritage Act 2018 defines cultural heritage significance as:

“Aesthetic, historic, scientific, social or spiritual value for individuals or groups within Western Australia. Cultural heritage significance may be embodied in a place itself and in any of its fabric, setting, use, associations, meanings, records, related places and related objects. A place may have diverse values for different individuals or groups.”

To determine whether your place is listed on the Town of Victoria Park Local Heritage Survey (Municipal Heritage Inventory) you can download and read the document or contact Charlotte McClure of the Town’s Planning Services Department on 9311 8111.

Yes you can. Heritage listing 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. The Town of Victoria Park needs to approve works involving significant changes to any building whether it is heritage listed or not.

Go to the planning page on the Town of Victoria Park website to find out further information about applications for changes to your property.

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

Various studies in Australia and internationally, suggest general positive effects on property values due to heritage listing. Like any property, its value will be affected by a range of factors including size, location, trends in the real estate market cycle and the quality and maintenance of the property.

You can contact Charlotte McClure from the Town of Victoria Park Planning Department on 9311 8111 or admin@vicpark.wa.gov.au.