Heritage Strategy

Council has adopted the Heritage Strategy and Action Plan 2018-29(PDF, 4MB).

Studies by the former cities of Prahran and Malvern, and the City of Stonnington identify buildings and places of significance.

Heritage review

We're doing a full heritage review to:

  • identify and assess new potential heritage places
  • strengthen planning controls where needed, and
  • look for more opportunities to engage and consult with our community. 

Current heritage amendments

To initiate a heritage overlay, we must amend the Stonnington Planning Scheme.  

For current scheme amendments, check planning scheme and amendments. 

Supporting information

Heritage assessment principles and practice

These documents outline how we assess places of heritage significance and prepare Planning Scheme amendments.

Heritage provisions and policies

Part of the Planning and Environment Act 1987's objective is 'to conserve and enhance those buildings, areas and places which are of scientific, aesthetic, architectural or historic interest or otherwise of special cultural value' [Section 4(1)(d)].

The Planning Scheme identifies and protects places of heritage significance.

This also states the planning policy context and need for planning permits.

Statewide standard heritage provisions appear in:

Local (Stonnington) heritage provisions appear in:

Heritage provisions and policies

Section 4(1)(d) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 aims 'to conserve and enhance those buildings, areas and places which are of scientific, aesthetic, architectural or historic interest or otherwise of special cultural value.'

The Planning Scheme identifies and protects places of heritage significance.

This also states the planning policy context and need for planning permits.

Statewide standard heritage provisions appear in:

Local (Stonnington) heritage provisions appear in:

Heritage issues

Financial

In March 2001, Heritage Victoria reviewed studies on the effect of heritage listings on property values.

It concluded, 'Generally speaking, heritage controls do not affect property values for residential buildings, particularly buildings in precincts'.

View Heritage Listing and Property Valuations in Victoria - March 2001(PDF, 71KB)

Sustainability conversions

The Heritage Overlay doesn't prevent using sustainability measures in heritage places.

These can be accommodated, considering heritage impacts and other objectives.

Find out more at Department of Environment, Water, Land and Planning.

Areas of cultural heritage sensitivity

Land within 200 metres of the Yarra River and Gardiners Creek is an area of cultural heritage sensitivity.

This may need a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP), in line with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.

The requirement of a CHMP only applies to:

  • high impact activities (as defined by the Act), and
  • to land not affected by significant ground disturbance.

Most privately-owned land and all developed land is not affected.

Supporting documents

Stonnington Thematic Environmental History

The Stonnington Thematic Environmental History(PDF, 42MB) explains events that have shaped the present-day City of Stonnington.

The history is arranged according to themes. These provide context to heritage places like buildings, precincts and landscapes.

You can find an interactive Stonnington Thematic Environmental History at all Stonnington libraries.

Heritage reference documents

Precinct heritage map(PDF, 800KB)

Heritage Strategy documents (1983-93) - former City of Prahran

Heritage Strategy documents (1989 to 1992) - former City of Malvern

Heritage Strategy documents (1996 to 2004) - City of Stonnington

Heritage Strategy Review (2006 onwards) - City of Stonnington

Heritage Precinct Gap Study - City of Stonnington

Heritage gradings

Heritage assessment principles and practice

Heritage provisions and policies

City of Stonnington Heritage Design Guidelines - July 2017(PDF, 6MB)

Back to top