What is the purpose of Amendment C148maro?

    Amendment C148maro to the Maroondah Planning Scheme (as exhibited) proposes to introduce permanent heritage controls to 75 properties within the municipality. These include 36 individual heritage places, 3 heritage precincts and 1 serial group listing,

    The Amendment seeks to implement the findings and recommendations of the Municipal wide Heritage Study Review Post World War 2: City of Maroondah Heritage Study Review Volume 2: Citations for Individual Heritage Places and Heritage Precincts by Built Heritage Pty Ltd.  

    As part of the Heritage Review a Thematic Environmental History Post WW 2 has been prepared and adopted by Council. This Thematic Environmental History identifies the key themes that have influenced the historical development of the municipality since 1945.

    What specific changes are proposed by Amendment C148maro?

    The Amendment seeks to implement the recommendations of City of Maroondah Heritage Study Review Volume 2: Citations for Individual Heritage Places and Heritage Precincts (Built Heritage Pty Ltd, April 2023.  Specifically, as exhibited it proposes to: 

    • Introduce permanent heritage controls to 36 individual places
    • Introduce permanent heritage controls to three precincts 
    • Introduce permanent heritage controls to one serial group listing,
    • Delete the Heritage Overlay for 130 Croydon Road Croydon
    • Introduce City of Maroondah Heritage Study Review: Volume 1 Post-WW2 Thematic Environmental History (Built Heritage Pty Ltd, May 2022
    • Introduce four specific heritage design guidelines for four proposed Heritage listings namely: HO148; HO152; HO 172, and HO188.
    • Incorporate a statement of significance for each individual heritage listing; heritage precincts and serial group listing proposed.

    How does it affect me?

    If the heritage overlay controls are  approved, and your property is listed as one of the heritage places in Schedule to Clause 43.01 (Heritage Overlay)  you will need to apply for a planning permit from Maroondah City Council to carry out works on a place, excluding routine maintenance repairs and some minor works.    A heritage overlay requires a permit for development, alterations/extension or demolition. Most places identified by these studies only have external alteration controls.

    Each case is assessed on its merits taking into account the heritage significance of the place.

    Proposals for demolition of individually significant buildings, or places within heritage precincts especially if they have been designated as contributory buildings identified for protection under a Heritage Overlay, will be strongly discouraged.  

    An application for demolition under Section 29A of the Building Act 1993 for a property identified as having heritage significance will be suspended and Council might resolve to pursue interim heritage protection for the site.

    To learn more about heritage listing please view Heritage Listing: Information factsheet in background documents on the Your Say page.

    Do I have to renovate or restore my property?

    No. There is no requirement to renovate or restore the property to its original form or do day to day upkeep. 

    The only requirement is that a planning permit process precedes any external changes to the building, garages and fences.   Although you are strongly encouraged to restore your property and keep it in good condition, there is no legal requirement to do so.

    What happens next?

    The Amendment was on public exhibition until Tuesday 27th June 2023 and extended to  14 July 2023 being the closing date for submissions.  Any person who may be affected by the Amendment may make a submission to the planning authority about the Amendment.  

    Once the exhibition period has finished, and subject to Section 23(1) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 Council will then assess the written submissions. Where a submission requests a change to an amendment (other than those set out by sections 21(5) and 22-23 of the Act); Council must:-

    • change the amendment in the manner requested; or
    • refer the submission to a panel; or
    • abandon the amendment or part of the amendment.

    In the event that the Amendment is referred to Planning Panels Victoria for a public hearing, following the hearing the Panel will make recommendations as to how issues should be addressed. 

    Council will then consider the Panel’s recommendation and resolve to either abandon, adopt or modify the Amendment.  Council’s decision is then submitted to the Minister for Planning for final approval.

    Where can I find further information?

    Further information can be viewed on Council’s website at www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/development/planning/planning-our-city/current-planning-scheme-amendments

    The full set of Amendment documentation can be viewed on the website of the Department of Transport and Planning: https://planning-schemes.app.planning.vic.gov.au/All%20schemes/amendments/C148maro?schemeCode=maro


    To learn more about heritage and the amendment process you can view the videos on the Your Say page:

    • What is heritage and heritage controls?
    • Submissions and the Panel Process

    Council’s Strategic Planning Team are available to answer questions and can be contacted on 1300 88 22 33 or 9298 4598.