Frequently asked questions

The deemed provisions of the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015 (External Link) require that local governments establish and maintain a heritage list to identify places that are of cultural heritage significance and worthy of built heritage conservation.

The Heritage Act 2018 (External Link) defines cultural heritage significance as:

“Aesthetic, historic, scientific, social or spiritual value for individuals or groups within Western Australia. Cultural heritage significance may be embodied in a place itself and in any of its fabric, setting, use, associations, meanings, records, related places and related objects. A place may have diverse values for different individuals or groups.”

Inclusion on the City’s Heritage List does not mean that a place/property cannot be changed, however, a development application will be required and will need to demonstrate how the proposed development will protect the cultural heritage significance of the place/property.

Development approval is required for all works (including proposed demolition) to properties on a heritage list. 

The City has developed Local Planning Policy 8.1 Heritage Conservation and Development (External Link) to guide the design and assessment of proposals for development affecting heritage-protected places.

Places/properties on the Heritage List are generally not supported for demolition as this may permanently affect the cultural heritage significance of the place/property. 

Entry on the Heritage List creates the need for development approval for a range of works that wouldn’t ordinarily require approval. The following works to places/properties on the Heritage List are generally exempt from approval (except State Registered places/properties):

• maintenance and repair involving the use of ‘like for like’ materials 
• internal alterations that don’t affect recognised heritage fabric or structure
• minor ancillary structures on the property
• landscaping and minor site works and retaining.

The Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015 (External Link) enable local governments to vary any site or development requirements specified in the local planning scheme provided:

1. the proposal will facilitate the built heritage conservation of a place on the Heritage List or State Register of Heritage Places; or
2. enhance or preserve heritage values in a heritage area.

The City has developed Local Planning Policy 8.1 Heritage Conservation and Development (External Link) to guide the assessment of proposals for development affecting heritage-protected places/properties.

The Heritage List is informed by the Local Heritage Survey (LHS) (External Link). A copy of the LHS is available on the City's website (External Link).

Council resolved to include your property on the Heritage List. A description of the place/property and the reason for the proposed entry is contained in your letter and you are invited to make a submission to provide your feedback on the proposal.

Owners must submit development applications for proposals that would otherwise may be exempt from the requirement for development approval. When considering a development application, the City will consider the heritage significance of the listed place/property.

Inclusion on the City’s Heritage List does not mean that a place/property cannot be changed/developed.

• You can provide feedback on the proposal to include your property on the Heritage List by completing the online feedback form.
  Hard copy feedback forms are available at the South Perth Civic Centre and South Perth and Manning Libraries.
• Call the the Strategic Planning Team on 9474 0777 or make a request on the City's website(External link) (External link)
• Make an appointment with a Strategic Planner. 

All feedback will be analysed and presented to Council at the Ordinary Council Meeting on Tuesday 18 November 2025.

The decision to include a place on the Heritage List is made by a resolution of Council. In considering the inclusion of a place on the Heritage List, Council will consider its cultural heritage significance and any submissions received from the property owners or property occupiers.