Guides and Fact Sheets

Types of heritage impact assessments

Heritage impact assessment is about assessing the impact of proposed development on the cultural significance of a heritage place or item.

There is often confusion about the various types of heritage assessment reports required for different developments. The following is an overview of the various types of heritage reports:

1. Assessment of Significance

An Assessment of Significance looks at whether or not a place is of cultural heritage significance. It uses the historical research and the physical fabric of the place to assess its significance against the Heritage NSW criteria. A level of heritage significance is also normally attributed, eg. local, State, national or world. A Statement of Significance is provided (or updated) and includes a succinct summary of the information found during the assessment. An Assessment of Significance does not consider management issues, policies, or impacts of any development.

Download the Preparing a Photographic Record guide here...(PDF, 814KB)

Download the Statement of Environment Effects for Minor Works here...(PDF, 191KB)

How do I know if I am Bushfire Prone?

A bush fire prone area is an area of land that can support a bush fire or is likely to be subject to bush fire attack. Bush fire prone areas are generally identified on Councils bush fire prone land map. The map identifies bush fire hazards and associated buffer zones within the Bathurst Regional Council local government area.

The bush fire prone land map was prepared by Council and is certified by the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS).

New development on areas identified as bush fire prone are subject to the development and planning controls of 'Planning for Bush Fire Protection 2019' and must be designed to improve the survivability of the development and the occupants that are exposed to a bush fire hazard.

It should be noted that areas that are not mapped may still be subject to bushfires. Whilst land may not be mapped adequate measures should be put in place to protect assets.

Planning for Bush Fire Protection

This document provides the necessary planning considerations when developing areas for residential use in residential, rural residential, rural and urban areas when development sites are in close proximity to areas likely to be affected by bushfire events.

Single Dwelling Application Kit(PDF, 9MB)

This document has been designed for owner/builders as well as architects, building designers and draft persons who wish to submit plans for building in a bush fire prone area. This document has been designed to support you, and provide you with a process to follow that will assist you to meet the current requirements for bush fire protection.

Guidelines for the lodgement of Applications(PDF, 142KB)

A Fascia sign means an advertising structure attached to the fascia or return of an awning. Fascia signs must not extend beyond the depth of the existing fascia on the awning of the building. Find out more...

The Bathurst Regional Local Environmental Plan (LEP ) 2014 defines signage as:

“any sign, notice, device, representation or advertisement that advertises or promotes any goods, services or events and any structure or vessel that is principally designed for, or that is used for, the display of signage, and includes any of the following:

(a) an advertising structure,

(b) a building identification sign,

(c) a business identification sign,

but does not include a traffic sign or traffic control facilities.”

Download the Fact Sheet here...(PDF, 223KB)

Fill means the depositing of soil, rock or other similar extractive material obtained from the same or another site that materially alters the shape, natural form or drainage of the site, but does not include materials used for garden landscaping. Cut means the removal of soil, rock or other similar extractive material obtained from the site. It may or may not be used on site as fill.

Download the Fact Sheet here...(PDF, 185KB)

Pre-development Application meeting objectives

1. To provide an opportunity for applicants and Council Officers to formally discuss key issues relevant to the assessment of a proposal prior to lodging a development application. The points raised during the meeting are intended to assist applicants in determining issues that should be addressed in a development application.

2. To ensure the applicant is aware of the relevant legislation and policy affecting their development.

3. To encourage a high quality application at the lodgement stage of a development application.

4. To reduce the length of the assessment period by improving the quality of applications lodged.

Download the Fact Sheet here...(PDF, 128KB)

Request a Pre-Development Meeting with Council...(PDF, 171KB)