Hobsons Bay residents keen to renovate their homes are encouraged to look into any permit requirements in heritage overlays to avoid paying fines.
About 7800 properties lie within a heritage overlay zone in Hobsons Bay, with most being in the Williamstown, Newport, Altona and Spotswood areas.
Buildings in Hobsons Bay deemed as having heritage value represent every architectural era, including the Victorian, Queen Anne, Edwardian and Bungalow periods, as well as the inter- and post-war eras.
External works in heritage overlays which need planning permission include solar panel installations, building extensions and window replacements.
The maximum court fine for conducting works in a heritage overlay without a permit is $300,000, in addition to the costs to reconstruct any removed heritage items.
Hobsons Bay mayor Peter Hemphill said the area’s architectural history told the area’s story.
“It is vital we protect and maintain it, and it is up to all homeowners in those areas to play their part in that,” he said.
“Heritage overlays were put in place to protect the character of the local area and to avoid the destruction of heritage features which cannot be resurrected.
“It’s important that our residents remember their requirements whenever they’re planning on renovating or updating their homes.”
Details: hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Planning-Building
