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:

1. Minor repairs using the same materials and finishes
2. Undertake property maintenance
3. Repainting surfaces using colours that are the same or in keeping with the heritage property or heritage conservation area, etc
4. 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 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) 2023.

Once a nomination is submitted, the 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.