Heritage significance means that a place has been identified as having ‘cultural heritage significance’ that may warrant conservation and protection.

Places are considered under the factors relevant to cultural heritage significance as developed at the National Heritage Convention (HERCON) or Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance, 2013 (Burra Charter criteria) and the following values:

• Historic value
• Representative (Social) value
• Scientific value
• Aesthetic value
• Rarity

The Local Heritage Survey recognises and records places of potential cultural heritage significance, allowing us to better understand the places contributory to the history of the City of Swan. Places that are considered of high cultural heritage significance may warrant inclusion on the Heritage List.

The Heritage List only includes Category 1 and 2 places of cultural heritage significance recorded in the Local Heritage Survey. These places are automatically protected under the Local Planning Scheme and Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015. The nomination of a place is a testament to its cultural heritage significance, and we believe that it has the potential to contribute to the City’s history.

Anyone can nominate a place they consider has cultural heritage significance. Once nominated the place will undergo an assessment by a qualified consultant and a recommendation will be made on whether it should proceed to a formal heritage assessment. All land owners of nominated places will notified if they are nominated and if it is to proceed to an assessment. Following the assessment, the City will determine whether it is placed on the Local Heritage Survey and Heritage List if applicable.

Formal recognition of a place for its heritage significance can add to its appeal and point of distinction. Recognising a place for its cultural heritage significance can assist in highlighting its architectural or historic significance and its value to the local area. There are various factors that can influence property values including subjective preferences of the property market, however, so it is not possible to definitively conclude whether property values will increase or decrease based on heritage significance.

Inclusion of a place on the Heritage List does not prevent essential future modification or development to ensure its upkeep. Further information to justify the works may be required to ensure they will not detrimentally impact the place’s heritage significance. Any proposals to modify or develop on a heritage-listed place are required to demonstrate how they will align with the heritage values of the site.

The proposed modification of any place will be assessed under the City’s Local Planning Scheme No.17 and the relevant planning policy that guides development of a place that has been identified as having heritage significance. Development approval from the City is required for any works, demolition or change in land use affecting a heritage-listed property.

Should demolition be approved, the City will retain a public record of all places removed from the Heritage List and the reason for removal on its website in addition to an appendix within the Local Heritage Survey.

The City has a number of incentives for people who retain heritage places, which include:

• Rate concession; and
• Development incentives.

Residential Heritage Rate Concession

Rate concessions may be available to assist owners of heritage-listed residential places to contribute to ongoing maintenance that retains heritage values.

If granted, the concession will be 50% of the general residential rate levied. The value of the concession will be reduced by an amount equivalent to any other rate concessions for which the owner is eligible (namely seniors, pensioners, and any other concession).

Development Incentives

Subject to community consultation based upon the impact it could have on its surrounds, the City may grant a density bonus (up to 50% and subject to a planning assessment) where places retain or conserve heritage significance.

Please provide your request in writing to the City of Swan to allow your request to be considered. It is unlikely that the City will support proposals to remove places from the Local Heritage Survey or Heritage List as the place has been assessed as being contributory to the City’s history. Removal of a place may adversely impact historic understanding of the City as a consequence and is rarely favourable.

There are four heritage management categories, each with different implications for the place. An information sheet can be downloaded from the document library, which explains these categories in more detail.

The identification of Aboriginal heritage is controlled under different legislation. The City strives to represent Aboriginal history where possible.

Places of significance to Aboriginal communities may be recognised by inclusion in the Local Heritage Survey where their cultural heritage significance is also associated in post-colonial Australian heritage. Places that may be protected under the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2021 should be identified as such in the Local Heritage Survey, noting that the provisions of that Act also apply.