2.12 Heritage

Ensure works are consistent with the overall massing and form of the heritage structure and its immediate context and do not dominate the existing built form.

Retain and conserve heritage items and contributory buildings by:

• a)Retaining original detail, finishes, and elements such as roof cladding, decorative joinery, ironwork, render, and chimneys
• b)Removing uncharacteristic or intrusive elements and reinstating the significant form of contributory buildings
• c)Reconstructing or restoring significant features and original building elements based on physical and documentary evidence and historical research
• d)Retaining and repairing original building fabric. Where repair is not possible, use suitable replacement materials based on original materials. For properties in a group or row, ensuring replacement materials respect the integrity of the group

Do not paint or render original face brick and other unpainted elements. If repair or replacement of original render is necessary, use lime mortar or matching traditional materials, techniques, and mixes.

Retain and protect the integrity, scale, and profile of original roof forms according to building typology and streetscape contribution as follows:

• a)Principal Roof Forms:
• i.Detached Dwellings: The entire original roof form—including pitch, ridge height, hips, gables, and eaves—must be retained as a primary architectural feature of the building.
• ii.Terraces and Semi-Detached Dwellings: The primary roof form and the consistency of the shared ridge line across the group or row must be preserved to maintain the collective rhythm and "stepping" of the streetscape.
• iii.Other (eg Traditional Corner shop building, mid-war apartment building): The entire original roof form—including pitch, ridge height, hips, gables, and eaves—must be retained as a primary architectural feature of the building.
• b)Significant Elements:
• i.Retain and repair all original chimneys, dormers, decorative gables, and ridge capping. These elements are integral to the building's typology and must not be removed even if the chimney is no longer functional.

Alterations to the original roof form (such as the insertion of a discreet skylight or a minor rear dormer) may only be considered where the change is not visible from the primary street frontage and does not involve the removal of significant fabric like chimneys or decorative gables.

Retain and complement the character and significance of the heritage item or heritage conservation area as set out in the relevant statement of significance and recommended management, including established garden settings, mature trees, landscaping features, original and early pathways, gates, and front fencing where they contribute to heritage significance.

Design buildings in proximity to heritage items or within heritage conservation areas to sympathetically respond to:

• a)Front setback and prevailing side and rear setbacks
• b)Building wall height, floor-to-ceiling height, and articulation
• c)Façade detailing and rhythm
• d)Heritage context through sympathetic bulk and scale
• e)Original building era colours and materials

Retain original signs and signs that form part of the history and heritage significance of the heritage item or heritage conservation area.

Council will consider the following when assessing applications for demolition or partial demolition of a heritage item or a building in a heritage conservation area:

• a)Heritage status of the building and its context as outlined in the Statement of Significance or a heritage analysis or study, heritage conservation management plan (CMP) or the like
• b)Contribution to the heritage significance of the heritage conservation area as outlined in the Statement of Significance or a heritage analysis or study, heritage conservation management plan (CMP) or the like
• c)Significance of the building by virtue of its age, scale, materials, details, design style or intactness
• d)The structural adequacy and integrity of the existing building
• e)Options for the conservation of the building
• f)Consistency of the proposed replacement building with the relevant development controls contained in Inner West LEP 2022 and this Development Control Plan, including those relating to amenity impacts on surrounding properties

Where a proposal involves the demolition or substantial alteration of a heritage item or a contributory building—specifically when seeking to be justified by structural inadequacy or a lack of economic viability—the application must:

• a)Address established planning principles by providing a detailed report that evaluates:
• i.Heritage Significance: An assessment of the building's individual significance and its relative contribution to the character and integrity of the Heritage Conservation Area.
• ii.Structural Adequacy: A comprehensive report from a suitably qualified structural engineer demonstrating that the building is structurally unsound and that remediation is not technically feasible through reasonable repair.
• iii.Economic Viability: A comparative financial analysis (prepared by a quantity surveyor or similar professional) detailing the costs of conservation and restoration against the value of the proposed work, to prove that requiring retention and repair is not unreasonable.
• iv.Conservation Options: Documentation proving that all reasonable options for the conservation, restoration, and adaptive reuse of the building under current planning controls have been explored and found unfeasible.
• v.Impact of Loss: An evaluation of how the loss of the original building fabric will impact the cohesive streetscape and the historical narrative of the neighbourhood.

Ensure additions and alterations comply with the following:

• a)Retain all significant components of heritage items and, as a minimum, the main original front portion of contributory buildings under the primary roof within the HCA.
• b)Ensure compatibility with the setting and contribution of the building and/or conservation area in terms of bulk, scale, form, roof form, materials, detailing, and colour.
• c)Respect the pattern, style, and dimensions of original windows, doors, verandahs, balconies and other design features.
• d)Set additions behind the primary building form, preferably to the rear, with a physical break or a "link" element between the original roof and the new roof to maintain the integrity of the original building's form and profile and clearly distinguish between the old and new fabric.
• e)Where a separate roof form is not achievable and the addition must attach directly to the rear of the existing building, the new roof must:
• i.Sit at least 300mm below the ridgeline of the primary roof; and
• ii.Match the pitch and orientation of the original roof form to ensure visual harmony, while remaining clearly identifiable as a secondary element.
• f)Maintain a visual distinction between existing and new works when located to the rear of an existing building.
• g)Do not alter the form or pitch of the existing roof or extend the roof ridgeline.

Additions are to generally align floor levels with the existing building to ensure internal accessibility and maintain the rhythm of fenestration (windows and doors) along retained side and front façades.

Notwithstanding the above, where a site slopes significantly to the rear, additions are encouraged to step down with the natural topography to reduce the overall bulk and scale of the extension and ensure the new roof form remains subordinate to the primary ridgeline.

For side additions:

• a)Minimise visibility from the street

Ensure the addition is subordinate to the existing building when viewed from the street and retains significant form, fabric and footprint of the existing building

Set back behind the primary retained building form with a roof form separate from and subordinate to the existing building

To ensure that upper-level or rear additions do not overwhelm the heritage item and that the original building remains the dominant element on the site:

• a)Preservation of the Original Roof Form: New additions must be inset at least 300mm from the external side-facing walls at the point where the addition meets the original rear wall. This "step-in" is required to:
• i.Ensure the original rear corners, eaves, and the profile of gables, hips, or parapets remain visible and intact.
• ii.Provide a clear visual break that identifies the transition from the original heritage fabric to the new work.
• b)Roof Form and Typology: Additions must use traditional roof forms that are sympathetic to the original building, such as pitched, hipped, or gable-ended designs. The pitch and orientation should harmonise with the primary roof to maintain visual consistency.
• c)Conditional Use of Skillion or Flat Roofs: While traditional forms are preferred, contemporary roof forms such as skillion or flat roofs may be considered only if they meet the following criteria:
• i.They are not visible (or have strictly minimal visibility) from the primary street elevation.
• ii.They are clearly lower in height and smaller in scale than the primary roof.
• iii.They provide a clear architectural distinction between the old and new fabric without detracting from the conservation area's predominant character.
• iv.They do not involve the removal of significant original features, such as chimneys or decorative gables.

Design any roof links (that connect the original roof space to the new addition) to:

• a)Be minimal in scale and proportion, up to a maximum external width of 1.5m.
• b)Provide a link to space within the main roof form.
• c)Appear as a separate roof form to the existing building.

The installation of solar panels on the street fronting roof plane is to accord with the Inner West Solar Panels Policy on Front Roof Planes in Heritage Conservation Areas. The placement of panels on roof planes other than the street fronting roof plane is governed by the requirements of Chapter 2, Division 4 of Part 2.3 of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021.

Panels must be installed flush with the existing roof pitch and must not project above the ridgeline or beyond the eaves or gable ends.

The arrangement of panels should be designed to respect the geometry and proportions of the roof plane, avoiding fragmented or irregular layouts.

Inverters, battery storage, cabling, and water tanks must be located within the building or in a position that is not visible from the public domain.

Panel frames, mounting brackets, and all associated hardware should have a non-reflective, dark-toned finish (such as black or charcoal) to integrate with traditional roof materials like slate, shingle, or dark unglazed terracotta tiles.

Retain original verandahs on front and visible side elevations as open structures.

Reinstate original verandahs and balconies based on historical information or photographs where possible. Council's Land and Property Policy requires a 99-year lease for air space over a public road. No rent is payable where the structure is a restoration or reconstruction of a balcony or verandah that existed prior to 1943 or is of heritage significance and restored in strict accordance with approved architectural drawings and methodology. Applicants must pay for the cost of the stratum/survey for the structure.

Retain and conserve the original materiality, surface finishes, and colour schemes of street-facing façades and contributory buildings by:

• a)Maintaining original external materials in their intended state, including unpainted face brickwork, natural stonework, and decorative timber or iron elements.
• b)Protecting and repairing original finishes such as tuckpointing, specialised lime render, and unglazed terracotta or slate roof cladding.
• c)Use traditional colour schemes and matte or low-sheen finishes that are historically consistent with the building's period and the surrounding Heritage Conservation Area.
• d)Encouraging the removal of non-original or uncharacteristic finishes, such as modern textured render or paint over historically unpainted brick and stone surfaces.

Base colour schemes on:

• a)Physical and documentary evidence of the original or early finishes (such as paint scrapes, historic photographs, original specifications or plans), where available
• b)Historical evidence of typical colour schemes for the building's architectural period or style, where physical evidence is missing or incomplete

Do not use security mesh, security bars, or security roller shutters on visible elevations.

Match finishes to new or refurbished driveways with contributory original driveway finishes or use simple grey concrete.

Do not alter the size or location of original window openings, window awnings, balconies, verandahs, or front doors visible from the primary street frontage. Do not permit new window openings within the original main building form which are visible from the primary or secondary street frontages, not including laneways

New or altered window openings must respect the form, scale, and proportion of the building's original architectural style. This includes:

• a)Maintaining the traditional balance between solid wall mass and window openings. New windows must not result in an uncharacteristic "open" or "transparent" appearance that undermines the visual weight of the heritage structure.
• b)Aligning new windows with the established vertical and horizontal rhythms of the existing fenestration.
• c)Using materials and profiles—such as timber double-hung or casement frames—that match the building's period and construction.

Where a building elevation adjoins a park, waterway, or significant public open space, the insertion of new windows is encouraged to enhance the public realm and balance heritage conservation with the following:

• a)New openings should be strategically placed to provide passive surveillance ("eyes on the space") and mitigate the impact of blank walls facing the public domain, they must not result in a contemporary "open" character that is uncharacteristic of the building's typology.
• b)While windows to parks are encouraged, they must remain subordinate to the heritage building's character. Multiple smaller openings that reflect the building's original typology are to be incorporated, rather than large, modern "picture windows" or floor-to-ceiling glass expanses which are to be avoided.
• c)Windows must be designed to provide external views while maintaining internal privacy. Where screening is necessary, it should utilise traditional methods (such as deep reveals or internal shutters) rather than modern external screens that obscure the heritage fabric.
• d)On waterway corridors, window placement must consider the scenic quality of the foreshore, ensuring the building's "rear" or "side" presents as a high-quality façade to the water that contributes to the scenic value of the foreshore or green space.

Where new window openings are supported in the existing building, ensure they are inserted into the existing building fabric respecting the form, scale, and proportion of the structure's architectural style and period. This includes:

• a)Maintaining the traditional balance between solid wall mass and window openings to preserve the visual "weight" of the heritage structure.
• b)Ensuring new windows align with the established vertical and horizontal patterns of the existing façade.
• c)Using materials and profiles (such as timber frames and traditional glazing bars) that are consistent with the building's original construction.

Where privacy is required, use internal shutters or deep reveals rather than external modern screens that would obscure the heritage form when viewed from the public domain.

Design new window openings on secondary elevations of the main building form to have minimal impact from the public domain.

Retain and/or restore the following features on contributory commercial, mixed-use, or industrial buildings:

• a)Parapet profiles and details
• b)Original roof forms
• c)Original roof dormers
• d)Window patterns, proportions, and details
• e)Bay windows
• f)Recessed balconies
• g)Awning alignment, stays, fasciae and patterned awning soffits
• h)Shopfronts
• i)Pressed metal
• j)Doors and windows, including original materials, locations and proportions
• k)Wall tiles
• l)Original signs, applied or painted
• m)Decorative render and joinery
• n)Saw tooth roof forms
• o)Verandahs, including posted and cantilevered into the public domain
• p)Any other historical features or details that contributes to the significance of the building

Design and site rear extensions to minimise visibility from the public domain when viewed from eye level at the front property boundary on the opposite side of the street.

Maintain the structural and visual integrity of the streetscape by:

• a)Retaining the front portion and façade of contributory buildings that positively contribute to the streetscape to a minimum depth of 6 metres from the front façade. This must include the section between the first two structural columns to ensure the structural logic of the building is preserved.
• b)Heritage Items: For listed heritage items, a greater depth of retention may be required to protect significant original or early interiors.

New or reinstated shopfronts and entries must respect the historical character of the building and its broader streetscape context:

• a)Traditional Shopfront Design: The design of new or reinstated shopfronts must be complementary to the original shopfront or characteristic of the building's architectural style.
• i.Materials: Window frames must be timber-framed.
• ii.Finishes: Frames and joinery must be painted in colours appropriate to late 19th-century or early 20th-century palettes.
• iii.Proportions: The dimensions and vertical alignment of transom glazing must relate directly to the width of the fixed window panes below.
• b)Splayed Entries: Reinstate splayed (angled) entries where the building is part of a group or row of commercial buildings that originally featured this design. Reinstatement must be based on:
• i.Extant original splayed entries within the same group or row; or
• ii.Documentary evidence and historical photographs of the specific site.

Curtilage Retention: Proposals must retain the established heritage curtilage when subdividing a site containing a heritage item to ensure its setting is preserved.

Preservation of Subdivision Patterns: Subdivision (including strata) or lot amalgamation is not permitted where the original subdivision pattern is evident and serves as a fundamental contributor to the significance of the heritage item or HCA.

Historical Interpretation: Where lots are amalgamated, developments must interpret the historical subdivision pattern, primarily through the vertical articulation of the street wall façade.

Character Consistency: Subdivision will not be supported if it creates development opportunities that are inconsistent with the character and scale of the heritage item or the HCA.

Design new development to complement the style and scale of the predominant building typology in the locality.

Retain original architectural features, including roof forms, plastered or face brick walls, chimneys, verandahs, dormers, decorative tiles, and sandstone street walls.

Maintain the area's predominant setback pattern. Ensure the bulk, height, and building envelope of infill development are consistent with nearby contributory buildings.

Retain trees and plantings that contribute to the HCA's significance and provide gardens consistent with the area's heritage character.

Retain original street widths, footpath alignments, and rear lanes. Maintain continuous kerb and gutter lines uninterrupted by new vehicular access points.

Significant sandstone walls and rocky outcrops shall be retained in their existing form and where appropriate, be integrated into the landscape or building fabric.

Preserve and integrate natural rocky outcrops into the landscaping of the area, particularly where visible from public places. Cutting into rockface for any purposes including driveway crossings is to be avoided.

Development around escarpments is to avoid cutting, altering topography, or removing associated vegetation, and buildings or structures are to be designed so they do not dominate the escarpment.

Retain significant fabric, elements, spaces, and components within the heritage curtilage.

Maintain the original building form and roof profile so the heritage item remains clearly discernible from the public domain.

Retain significant internal features (joinery, fireplaces, decorative plaster) and ensure changes to room configurations remain interpretable.

Ensure alterations are lightweight and reversible, allowing for future removal with minimal damage to the original structure.

Avoid installing modern kitchen or wet area fitouts within primary rooms of significance.

Apply noise attenuation works internally to avoid removing significant exterior fabric.

Respond to the setting, setbacks, scale, and façade articulation of nearby heritage items.

Provide adequate setbacks and maintain significant views to and from the heritage item.

Use materials, finishes, and colours that avoid strong contrast, ensuring the heritage item retains its visual importance.

Design works to protect and respect site relics by limiting excavation depth and area.

Obtain required excavation permits as detailed in the DCP and relevant State legislation.

In-situ Preservation: Locate buildings, landscaping, and driveways away from Aboriginal sites to allow for the preservation of objects in their original context.

Minimal Disturbance: Avoid excavation near known or potential sites unless it can be demonstrated that the impact is minimal.

Locate buildings, landscaping, paths and driveways away from Aboriginal sites to allow in-situ preservation of artefacts.

Legislative Compliance: Adhere to the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 regarding the discovery or disturbance of Aboriginal objects or places.

Include recommendations in Aboriginal archaeological assessments for long-term site management.