Owners of state heritage-listed properties can now install solar panels, batteries, insulation and draught proofing without seeking formal approval, under new exemptions announced by the NSW Government.
The Government says the changes will make historic properties more energy efficient and ensure cheaper, renewable energy is accessible to more people.
The move to align heritage conservation with climate action is part of an update to the state’s Heritage Act exemptions, which expands the list of activities that do not require heritage approval.
“We want heritage properties, rich in history, to also be able to contribute to reducing emission through the uptake of solar,” said Minister for Heritage, Penny Sharpe.
“The new exemptions protect heritage listed places by also making it easier to carry out maintenance and repairs, and install features like fire suppression equipment and security alarms.
“State heritage listed buildings are not all museum pieces. These sensible changes mean heritage will be protected while allowing owners to install energy-saving measures and undertake important and necessary updates.”
Owners and managers of buildings on the State Heritage Register will no longer need to seek approval from the Heritage Council of NSW for the following upgrades and activities:
- Energy saving and sustainable technology including solar panels, batteries, insulation and draught proofing
- Security systems
- Fire suppression
- Geotechnical testing
- Temporary events up to 90 days, to align with NSW Vibrancy Reforms
- Filming up to 90 days
- Accessibility measures including access ramps and bathroom fit outs
- Aboriginal cultural practices
- Water infrastructure
- Land and bushfire management including hazard reduction
- Repair and replacement of materials including brick and stone walls.
The revised exemptions are subject to conditions that ensure the heritage values of the property are protected. For example, solar panels are exempt if the system is under 10kW and the panels are not facing the street. Alterations must also be carried out by people with appropriate skills.
Amendments to protections for low-impact temporary uses are in line with recommendations in the Productivity Commission report into the 24-hour economy, to encourage greater heritage asset use for cultural and creative purposes. Temporary event exemptions have tripled to 90 days per year.
The Government is also supporting the NSW film industry by allowing more site usage for filming purposes without the need for a heritage approval – from 30 to 90 days before approval is needed – to open them up to new or longer film scheduling and enable production scheduling.
For further information, visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/heritage/apply-for-heritage-approvals-and-permits/state-heritage-register-items/standard-exemptions.
