Heritage properties to go under the scope

A motion put forward by one of Waverley’s Greens councillors to preserve the area’s heritage sites will result in a report that could initiate a community-wide assessment of residential properties.

Greens Councillor Mora Main has been actively involved in planning the district’s built and natural environments.

“It is timely to demonstrate Council’s commitment to heritage in the Local Government Area through the provision of information to owners, to identify grants or benefits available … and to expand the promotion of awards and other incentives to advance heritage in Waverley.”

The Council announced the report will aim to foster an appreciation for Waverley’s heritage sites by creating incentives for property owners to restore areas of historical significance.

The initiative was a byproduct of discussions over Amendment 33 to the Waverley Local Environment Plan (LEP) 1996 which states that “approximately 180 heritage items and 9 heritage conservation areas” are to be acknowledged in the updated Waverley LEP, with a new environmental schedule and list of heritage provisions.

Submissions to the Draft Waverley LEP 2011 were tabled by the Council at its Finance, Ethics and Strategic Planning Committee in March and heritage conservation will be addressed as part of development regulation rules.

Cr Main said the report will also provide recommendations for actions to be taken, as the Council looks to effectively utilise resources available for conservation purposes. “[The report will consider] implications regarding resources necessary to achieve the objectives, together with incentives or programmes which could help to inform heritage values and conservation in Waverley,” she said.

The Council will consider directing greater funding towards heritage sites, groups and activities through a scheme similar to the Small Grants programme which supplied $3000 to successful applicants. The proposed report will examine the cultural significance of Waverley heritage sites and give support to custodians of properties in conservation areas.

Waverley Council will consider all issues and submissions related to the Development Control Plan (DCP) next month.

By Daniel Paperny