New planning restrictions would be applied to 38 “heritage places” across Gisborne, New Gisborne and Kyneton under a Macedon Ranges council proposed planning scheme amendment.
The council is seeking community feedback on its proposal to apply the heritage overlay to the sites, including residences, public halls and railway bridges.
The overlay would ensure a planning permit application would be required for any buildings and works that could affect the heritage significance of the properties.
The proposal is based on recommendations made in the Gisborne and Kyneton Heritage Study 2017.
The study was conducted after a 2015 council assessment of unprotected sites of potential heritage significance in the Macedon Ranges found that those in Gisborne, New Gisborne and Kyneton should be prioritised because of the towns’ growth.
Council chief executive Margot Stork said it was the council’s role “to preserve, celebrate and enhance the region’s cultural heritage”.
“We would appreciate the community’s feedback on our proposal to apply heritage overlay to the sites identified in the Gisborne and Kyneton Heritage Study,” Ms Stork said.
Community drop-in sessions on the proposal will be held at the Kyneton Mechanics Institute on Tuesday, April 17, from 4.30-6.30pm and at the council’s Gisborne offices on Monday, April 23, from 4.30-6.30pm.
Submissions about the amendment can be made at mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay before Wednesday, May 2.
The council has applied to Planning Minister Richard Wynne for interim heritage controls to be placed on the properties while the proposal receives feedback from the community.
A panel hearing on the council’s amendment has been scheduled for the week commencing July 23.
