Heritage consists of the places and objects that we have inherited from the past and that we want to pass on to future generations. The Central Coast currently has 22 state heritage listed items which fall under the protection of the NSW Heritage Act and 364 local heritage items. Find information about heritage listings, the impact of heritage on development applications, heritage grants and much more.
Cultural heritage
Heritage consists of the places and objects that we have inherited from the past and that we want to pass on to future generations. Heritage is a key component of Australia’s identity. It defines us as a community and helps shape who we are and where we have come from. However, and just as importantly, heritage helps to identify the way forward as we develop and grow.
The Central Coast encompasses a rich Aboriginal and non-Indigenous history which is reflected through our cultural, built and unique places and landscapes. Our natural and environmentally sensitive places can also be of heritage significance.
Types of heritage listings
Local heritage: A local heritage item is one which has cultural significance for the local area and is listed on council's Local Environment Plan (LEP). An example is Henry Kendall Cottage in West Gosford.
State heritage: A state heritage item is one which has cultural significance for the state of New South Wales, not just the Central Coast area. State heritage items are listed on the State Heritage Register for example, Norah Head Lighthouse.
World heritage: Central Coast Council is fortunate to have a World Heritage item within its boundary. This is a section of the Old Great North Road known as Devines Hill and Finchs Line located in Dharug National Park. The road is part of a group of convict-built sites that together were awarded world heritage listing in 2010.
How are heritage listings made?
Central Coast Council is responsible for identifying, protecting and managing heritage at the local level through local planning regulations. Anyone can nominate an item for heritage listing.
The Central Coast currently has 22 state heritage listed items within the local government area which fall under the protection of the NSW Heritage Act 1977. It also has 364 local heritage items listed under the LEP. If the council resolves to consider a listing, property owners and residents are notified and a draft amendment to the LEP is placed on public exhibition. Submission and comments are invited and are taken into consideration before the application for heritage listing goes before council and the NSW Department of Planning.
Detailed information on current heritage items can be found on the NSW Environment and Heritage website.
What does a heritage mean for Development Approvals?
A heritage listing does not mean that properties or buildings cannot be modernised, altered or developed. Changes may still be made, but must have regard to the site’s heritage significance.
Any new work should be undertaken in an appropriate or ‘sympathetic’ way. For example, where possible, a sympathetic addition to a heritage item should retain the original features. New work should not necessarily try to look ‘old’ or copy the architectural detail of the original building, but rather complement the overall building form, scale, materials and finishes.
Properties near heritage items often form a significant part of the setting of the heritage item. Development near heritage items may be required to minimise any impact on the heritage property in terms of architectural style, scale, setbacks, external materials, finishes and colours.
For some changes and work to heritage items and properties within heritage conservation areas, a Development Application will need to be lodged for council approval. Prior to commencing work, and for more information on items that will need to be included in the Development Application, contact Central Coast Council on (02) 4325 8222 or (02) 4350 5555.
Heritage Exemption Form
Properties listed in Schedule 5 of Central Coast Local Environmental Plan 2022 (LEP) and Schedule 9 of State Environmental Planning Policy (Precincts - Regional) 2021 (SEPP) require development approval for development work including alterations, additions and extensions., ensuring that development affecting heritage-listed properties within the area is properly managed.
Clause 5.10 of the LEP (Clause 5.36 of the SEPP) allows property owners to seek an exemption from formal development approval for minor works or maintenance that will not negatively impact the heritage significance of their property. This process helps simplify the management of heritage properties while safeguarding their heritage value. This is done through the lodgement of the Heritage Exemption Form.
Minor development might include:
- Minor repairs using the same materials and finishes
- Undertake property maintenance
- Repainting surfaces using colours that are the same or in keeping with the heritage property or heritage conservation area, etc
- Under certain circumstances the installation of solar panels (subject to certain location and criteria).
Before beginning any work, property owners must submit the Heritage Exemption Form for assessment by the Council’s Heritage Team and receive a written approval from Central Coast Council. Contact the Heritage Team at heritage@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au if you have any questions regarding your proposed work and whether it can be undertaken using the Heritage Exemption Clause.
If your property is in Gosford City Centre, please complete the Heritage Exemption Form - Gosford City Centre.
For heritage listed properties elsewhere in the Local Government Area complete the Heritage Exemption Form.
Heritage listings explained
Produced especially for owners of heritage properties, this leaflet from the Heritage Council of NSW answers commonly asked questions about listing. It explains the benefits and effects of listing in New South Wales. It also gives owners a practical insight into how to make sympathetic changes.
Heritage Nomination Form
The Central Coast Council values the preservation of the region's historic sites, buildings, and landscapes, recognising their role in telling the story of our community's past.
Through the Heritage Nomination Form any member of the public can contribute to this preservation by nominating properties, structures, or items for inclusion in Schedule 5 of the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2022 or Schedule 9 of State Environmental Planning Policy (Precincts - Regional) 2021 (SEPP).
The Heritage Nomination Form allows residents to nominate places of historical or social significance, ensuring that the places that are important to the community are protected and managed for future generations. Nominated sites may include buildings, monuments, parks, trees, bridges, natural areas, archaeological sites or even streetscapes that are important to the heritage of the Central Coast. More information about what sort of things can be listed and the criteria used to assess their heritage significance can be found at:
Assessing Heritage Significance – Guidelines for assessing places and objects against the Heritage Council of NSW criteria (Department of Planning and Environment).
Once a nomination is submitted, the Central Coast Council’s heritage team will assess the nomination and it will be included in the next Heritage Review for detailed assessment and inclusion in the heritage register. Your participation helps maintain the cultural fabric of our region, ensuring that important landmarks are preserved for future generations.
Heritage Advisory Committee
The Heritage Advisory Committee assists Central Coast Council to conserve, promote and celebrate the Central Coast’s local heritage and history. The Committee focuses on the identification, registration, conservation and development of the Central Coast’s heritage resources.
Visit our Advisory Groups page for more information on the Heritage Advisory Committee.
Heritage small grants
Council offers heritage small grants to owners of heritage listed items to help them repair, conserve and maintain the cultural significance of an item. In the process, it is hoped that this will engender a greater interest and appreciation for conservation for all heritage items on the Central Coast.
For more information, please email heritage@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au. Further information can also be found on our Heritage Grants Program page.
Central Coast history
At Central Coast Council libraries, you can find out more about our local history, as well as using the library's resources to research your own local family history.
To get started, visit the Central Coast Council Libraries History page.