UPPER Hunter Shire Council’s Heritage Committee is reminding residents, businesses and community organisations that council approval is required to demolish or alter a heritage item or a building, work, relic or tree within a heritage conservation area.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Heritage committee chairperson Cr Sue Abbott said when making repairs the use of traditional building materials enhanced heritage building.
“When repairs are made, consideration should be given to using materials such as galvanised, corrugated steel rather than replacing them with more modern products,” she said.
To assist with the protection of Upper Hunter built history, council also has grants of up to $1000 available to restore heritage items or properties.
Activities such as replacing roof cladding or making changes to the detail, fabric, finish or appearance of a building that is heritage listed or located within a conservation area requires council approval unless the works are of a minor nature or for maintenance and council has provided written notification that approval is not required.
Failure to obtain approval is an offence and may result in enforcement action being taken in the form of an Order being served or the issuing of a penalty infringement notice.
Artist Jean Davies used galvanised corrugated steel to replace the roof on her 1870s home after the 2016 hail storm in Murrurundi – and is very pleased with the result.
“It was a painted galvanised roof before and I was thinking Colourbond but I contacted council and the Heritage Officer suggested this would retain the integrity of the property,” she explained.
“I thought it might have been a bit bland but I am delighted with how it turned out.”
If in doubt, contact council’s environmental and customer services department on 6540 1100 to discuss your plans.
To find out more about the Local Heritage Assistance Fund provided by council and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, visit www.upperhunter.nsw.gov.au, ‘A-Z Documents’ and ‘Heritage’.
Funds are available to reinstate or repair heritage items with priority given to state listed heritage items within the Upper Hunter Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2013.
To view maps of Upper Hunter heritage items and heritage conservation areas visit council’s website, A-Z documents, ‘Local Environmental Plan’, which will take you to a new page, in the top right hand corner click ‘Maps’ and then ‘Heritage Map’.
