Historic Heritage Assessment Victoria
Heritage Overlays, Heritage Impact Statements and Historical Heritage Management.
Historic heritage management is the process of identifying, assessing, and protecting places of historical significance in Victoria — including buildings, structures, landscapes, precincts, and archaeological sites. For a full explanation of terms used in this process, see our Historic Heritage Glossary.
Under the Heritage Act 2017 and the Planning and Environment Act 1987, proposed works, demolition, alterations, and new development affecting heritage places must be assessed for heritage obligations before planning permits or heritage approvals can be issued. Where a property is affected by a Heritage Overlay or is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, heritage requirements apply regardless of project scale.
The aim is to ensure that places of historical significance are not unnecessarily lost or damaged, while still allowing them to be adapted and used in a practical and economically viable way. Getting heritage advice early reduces the risk of project delays, avoids costly redesign, and ensures that planning permit applications are supported by the right documentation from the outset.
Strata Heritage provides the full range of historic heritage services across Gippsland, Melbourne, and regional Victoria, including Heritage Impact Statements, historic heritage advice and assessments, and support for Heritage Victoria permit applications. We work with developers, planners, architects, builders, councils, and private landowners to navigate Victoria's historical heritage requirements efficiently and professionally.
Historical Heritage Services
Historic Heritage Advice
Strata Heritage provides practical heritage advice across the full range of Victoria's historic heritage framework. Whether your project involves a Heritage Overlay permit application, works to a place on the Victorian Heritage Register, or an assessment of potential historical archaeological constraints under the Heritage Act 2017, we can help you understand your obligations and navigate the approvals process. Our advice covers Heritage Victoria permit applications, local council permit requirements, and heritage planning letters across Gippsland, Melbourne, and regional Victoria.
Heritage Impact Statements
A Heritage Impact Statement (HIS) is required for most planning permit applications involving a Heritage Overlay property, and is mandatory for all Heritage Victoria permit applications for places on the Victorian Heritage Register. It explains how proposed works may affect the heritage significance of a property, building, or precinct, and demonstrates to councils and heritage authorities that the proposal responds appropriately to heritage values. Strata Heritage prepares Heritage Impact Statements that meet the requirements of both the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and the Heritage Act 2017, across all property types and project scales.
Heritage Overlay Advice
Heritage Overlay Advice
A Heritage Overlay is a planning control applied by local councils to protect places of local heritage significance under the Planning and Environment Act 1987. If your property is affected by a Heritage Overlay, a planning permit may be required for works including demolition, alterations, extensions, new construction, and subdivision. Strata Heritage provides clear, practical advice on Heritage Overlay obligations — helping you understand what is required, prepare the right documentation, and work constructively with council heritage advisors to achieve a positive outcome for your project.
Glossary and Resources
Understanding heritage legislation and the approvals process can be complex. The following resources have been prepared by Strata Heritage to help landowners, developers, planners, and councils navigate their historic heritage obligations in Victoria.
Historic Heritage Guide
A comprehensive guide to Victoria's two heritage systems — local heritage managed through Heritage Overlays under the Planning and Environment Act 1987, and state heritage managed through the Victorian Heritage Register under the Heritage Act 2017. Covers Heritage Impact Statements in detail, including when they are required, what they must contain, and how they are assessed by Heritage Victoria and local councils.
Historic Heritage Glossary
A plain-language glossary of key terms used in historic heritage assessment and planning in Victoria, including Heritage Overlay, Statement of Significance, Heritage Impact Statement, Conservation Management Plan, and Burra Charter.