Heritage Planning
Heritage management is an essential component of sound urban planning. Godden Mackay Logan has solid experience in all key areas of urban planning, including development assessment, statutory and strategic planning, conservation area and precinct assessments and management, heritage and visual character studies, development control plans, and planning control reviews.
Conservation Area Assessments
The heritage significance of potential conservation areas can be assessed using criteria similiar to those used for individual sites. We undertake thorough assessments of existing and potential conservation areas and recommend appropriate boundaries. Buildings, streetscapes and other elements that contribute to the overall significance of the area are identified to assist council in managing the area and assist owners and potential purchasers to understanding what they will be required to conserve and keep.
Development Control Plans
Development Control Plans (DCPs) are used by most councils to manage heritage and design issues at a detailed level. GML has prepared and advised on DCPs ranging in scope from small precincts to entire suburbs, to whole local government areas. We recognise the need for controls which give clear guidance to the community and to applicants as to council’s requirements.
Input into Masterplanning
Masterplanning, including consideration of heritage issues, is now a prerequisite for most large or complex development sites. Early heritage assessment in the masterplanning process can help determine what should be kept as well as where and how to site new development. GML works directly with design teams to arrive at concept Masterplans that can be speedily approved because heritage issues have been resolved early and the signiciance of a place is already known.
Development Assessments
GML has a thorough understanding of the heritage approvals processes as well as an excellent professional relationship with the various heritage agencies. We provide assistance to applicants at all points throughout these processes, and frequently provide advice to councils on heritage-related Development Applications submitted to them. We provide independent ‘arms length’ advice, often providing a second opinion on a council’s own assessment.
Heritage and Visual Character Studies
Strategic planning for a local government area or parts of it can be assisted by an understanding of the heritage and character values within the area. It is important that a distinction is made between heritage significance on the one hand and amenity value on the other. GML has prepared a number of such studies as input into councils’ strategic plans.
Rural and Regional Studies
Heritage resource management is an integral part of rural and regional planning where heritage advice, area studies and main street projects can be economic and tourism catalysts. GML works with community groups and local councils on remote sites, town centres and catchment—projects as diverse as heritage machinery, interpretation/tourism, house museums and site inventories.