Heritage conservation area review

HCAs are streetscapes, suburbs, areas and precincts that are recognised by a community for their distinctive historic character. They often provide evidence of a particular historical period of development and/or a distinct architectural style, and generally have a high proportion of original buildings. HCAs are protected because they create a cohesive sense of place and evidence historical characteristics that are valued by the community. Their significance is often associated with the underlying land subdivision, the street pattern, arrangement of lots, and a predominance of buildings that share common periods of development, historical associations, materials, form and scale.

Most HCAs are listed on Schedule 5 of the LEP and managed by council. However, there are examples of state listed conservation areas that are subject to regulation and approvals under the Heritage Act. Further, HCAs can also be listed on non-statutory registers, such as the Glebe Conservation Area which is listed on the National Trust Register (NSW Chapter).

The purpose of the HCA Review is to ensure that areas in Hornsby Shire with cogent and demonstrable built, landscape or other heritage values are identified and mapped as HCAs in the HLEP and that Council’s planning controls include specific measures to conserve and manage the distinctive heritage significance of each HCA, and HCA precincts, when change is proposed.

The HCA project focusses on built heritage and urban form and will:

• Review the boundaries, significance and integrity of existing HCAs in response to change.
• Address HCA ‘gaps’ - post-war and mid-twentieth century built heritage, and the lack of HCAs in the northern half of the local government area.
• Assess potential HCAs identified by Council.
• Recommend associated amendments to the Hornsby Local Environmental Plan 2013 (HLEP) and the Hornsby Development Control Plan 2013 (HDCP).

Yes – this HCA Review will identify potential new conservation areas for heritage listing. The project team has carefully assessed each proposed areas potential heritage significance, characteristic elements, tolerance for change and undertaken site visits and historical research.

The HCA Review is being led by GML Heritage. The project team is comprised of a Senior Associate with a strong background in providing heritage advice to local government, a Senior Heritage Consultant with over 25 years’ experience as a professional historian researching architectural and building histories and contribution to heritage assessments, and two heritage consultants experienced in architectural training and urban planning assisting with all aspects of the project.

The draft study was completed in July 2023. Refinement of the draft study’s recommendations is currently underway to prepare the information for community input and consultation.