Is there a new heritage step we need to clear?
Yes, but only if the block is registered or provisionally registered on the ACT Heritage Register. In that case, the development must comply with any relevant requirements under the Heritage Act 2004, must not reduce the heritage significance of the place, and must be endorsed by the ACT Heritage Council. These requirements do not apply to properties that are not heritage listed.
Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026 (NI2026-303), Assessment Outcome 23.1 & 23.2- Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026
Short Answer
Yes, if the block is registered or provisionally registered on the ACT Heritage Register, there is an additional heritage requirement. The development must comply with any applicable heritage guidelines, orders, or agreements under the Heritage Act 2004, must not reduce the heritage significance of the place, and must obtain endorsement from the ACT Heritage Council.
Detailed Explanation
A new heritage step applies only where a block is registered or provisionally registered on the ACT Heritage Register. In these cases, the development must:
- comply with any relevant heritage guidelines, orders, or agreements made under the Heritage Act 2004;
- demonstrate that the development does not diminish the heritage significance of the place; and
- obtain endorsement from the ACT Heritage Council before proceeding.
This means heritage considerations are an additional assessment requirement for listed heritage places, alongside the usual development assessment requirements. For properties that are not registered or provisionally registered, these specific heritage requirements do not apply.
No minimum block size does not remove the need for planning assessment.
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