Do I need a Heritage Impact Statement for my DA?

If you're planning to renovate, extend or demolish a building in a heritage conservation area or near a heritage-listed property, you may need to submit a Heritage Impact Statement (HIS) with your development application.

In NSW, the requirement for a Heritage Impact Statement depends on several factors, including the location, type of development and whether the site is listed as a heritage item under the local environmental plan.

1. What is a Heritage Impact Statement?

A Heritage Impact Statement is a written assessment that explains how your proposed development might affect the heritage significance of a property or surrounding area.

It must demonstrate that you've considered heritage values in your design and planning process.

This report is often required as part of the documentation for DA approval in areas where heritage controls apply.

As a town planning company based in NSW, we regularly prepare HIS reports for clients who need help navigating council approval.

2. How do I know if my site is heritage-listed?

Your local council’s LEP (Local Environmental Plan) will outline which properties are heritage items or fall within conservation zones.

You can also check the NSW Heritage Register or speak with a qualified planning consultant to clarify your site’s status.

If your site is heritage-listed or adjacent to a listed property, your DA will most likely require a Heritage Impact Statement.

NSW planning rules are strict when it comes to protecting culturally significant sites.

3. When is a Heritage Impact Statement required for a DA?

A Heritage Impact Statement is generally required when:

• The development affects a heritage-listed building or structure

• The site is within a heritage conservation area

• The development is near a heritage item and could impact its setting or views

A good planning consultant can assess whether your development application triggers this requirement.

At Town Planning Sydney, we provide planning advice early in the process to avoid delays later on.

4. What goes into a Heritage Impact Statement?

A strong HIS includes:

• A description of the heritage item or area

• A clear outline of your proposed development

• An analysis of potential impacts on the heritage significance

• A justification of the design choices made to mitigate those impacts

Our in-house drafting team ensures the design aligns with heritage controls, which can improve your chances of DA approval.

We also work closely with heritage consultants when specialist input is needed.

5. Real-world example: Small extension in a heritage area

A homeowner in Marrickville wanted to add a second-storey extension to their terrace house within a heritage conservation zone.

They assumed a simple DA would be enough, but council requested a Heritage Impact Statement to evaluate how the extension would affect the character of the streetscape.

We prepared the HIS, adjusted the roofline in the design to preserve sightlines, and resubmitted the development application.

Council approval was granted without further issues.

6. Get the right planning advice early

Waiting until council raises heritage concerns can cause costly delays.

Engaging a planning consultant early in the NSW planning process can help identify whether a Heritage Impact Statement is needed and streamline your DA submission.

Town Planning Sydney handles the full process, from pre-lodgement planning advice to council approval support.

If heritage controls apply to your site, we’ll ensure your documentation ticks all the boxes for a successful development application.

Understanding when and why a Heritage Impact Statement is needed is key to avoiding unnecessary setbacks and ensuring a smoother path to DA approval.