Heritage Conservation Areas (HCAs) aim to protect areas valued by the community for their historic character. The architectural period of buildings, fences, trees, and gardens can all contribute to the character of an area. It’s important that development within an HCA area respects this significance and is consistent with the dominant built character through its form, scale, materials and siting.

Council is now undertaking a survey of property owners in the following areas:

• Within the boundaries of Forest Road, both sides of Halley Avenue, Stoney Creek Road, Kinsel Grove, including all streets enclosed in the area including Highworth Avenue, Besborough Avenue, Bowood Avenue and Kinsel Grove.
• The area including Carrington, Lymington and Glenfarne Streets.

Council is seeking feedback from property owners to explore the possibility of establishing a new heritage conservation area in certain parts of Bexley. This is an initial study to understand the potential and gather input; no decisions have been made about creating a heritage conservation area at this stage.

Council has recently finalised an amendment to the Bayside LEP to include additional HCA’s in the Bayside LEP 2021. The amendment has been finalised. For more information

https://haveyoursay.bayside.nsw.gov.au/heritage-conservation-areas

Council has also resolved to seek the views of the community / landowners on whether an additional HCA should be progressed in the Bexley area.

See Council resolution - Council Minutes No. 2023/184

Generally a conservation area is nominated because of the overall character of the area. Buildings in a conservation area are classified as either heritage items, contributory items, neutral or uncharacteristic.

• Contributory buildings generally originate from the significant era of development of the HCA and display the key characteristics of the area through their architectural style and typology, scale, form, features and materials.
• Neutral buildings usually originate from the original era of development but have been much altered, although the alterations can usually be reversed. Contemporary buildings that respond to the significant scale and character of the HCA can also be neutral.
• Uncharacteristic buildings are usually buildings from a later era that are inconsistent with the scale and form of characteristic development.

For buildings which are in disrepair and are uncharacteristic buildings may be replaced in keeping with the objectives and character of the conservation area.

Yes. A DA will need to be submitted to make alterations and additions as long as the addition is not visually dominating of the main building contributing to the conservation area. Council understands the need to modernise homes and bring them up to current standards. This can be done in a way that contributes to the HCA.

It is possible to build second storey additions to the rear of the property if it is appropriate. There are some considerations listed in LEP and the DCP in relation to the desired character of the area.

Some examples include:

• respect significant original or characteristic built form
• retain original scale and form as viewed from the public domain/Street
• respect significant traditional or characteristic subdivision patterns
• retain significant original fabric as seen from the street
• retain, and where possible reinstate, significant original features and building elements that contribute to the character of the area.
• Additions shall be clearly separated from the host building and should not be visible from the street.

As with any assessment it will be based on merit and specific site considerations taken into account. Any changes to be made in keeping with the LEP and DCP and recommendations for the character of the Heritage Conservation Area.

• Your feedback will be reported to Council who will decide on the next steps.
• If the proposed HCA is to proceed it will become a planning proposal to amend the Bayside LEP 2021 and be reported to Council for endorsement
• If the planning proposal is endorsed by Council, it will be placed on public exhibition to seek further community feedback. All property owners affected by any new HCAs will be notified in a separate planning process.
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