What is a Statement of Heritage Impact?
This website has been prepared to assist people who wish to carry out work that could impact on a heritage item and explains what comprises a SOHI and when it is needed, and the level of detail to be provided.
A statement of heritage impact (SOHI) is meant to convey what the impact or impacts of a proposal would be. When considered along with a policy or plan for conservation and management, an informed decision can be made whether to allow the development to proceed.
– environment.nsw.gov.au
A Statement of Heritage Impact should include:
• why the item is of heritage significance
• what impact the proposed works will have on that significance
• what measures are proposed to mitigate negative impacts
• why more sympathetic solutions are not viable.
How should the design of my project deal with these requirements?
A big part of the process is the design work, most of the time the design has already been completed and Council is now requesting justification for the proposal through a Statement of Heritage Impact. This can be straightforward in some cases but can also lead to issues – we very much encourage you to have a look through our design pages and start thinking about Heritage as soon as you can in your project. Not only will this make the approvals process much smoother, but in most cases you’ll also improve the value of your project.
Development of a Heritage Item or within a Conservation Area doesn’t mean your project needs to ‘look old’! The following information is provided by http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/:
The Heritage Council does not advocate the reproduction of heritage forms and finishes; rather, it supports quality new design that is sympathetic in form and finish and is respectful of its context.
What should I do next…or first!?
This website contains as much useful information as we could think of to inform you as Homeowner, Designer or Developer and help you make the most of your project and most importantly…gain approval!
Most people don’t begin researching the Heritage aspects of their project until they’re already part of the way into the approval process and so we’ve broken down the process in our How to Gain Approval pages. Hopefully this will help you identify where you are in the process, and navigate your way through to the information that will be most helpful to you.
Please don’t hesitate to Contact Us if you need assistance or have any questions regarding your Statement of Heritage Impact.