Heritage conservation and development
Heritage assessment policy
The City of Fremantle's planning scheme and policies require that the heritage values of the Fremantle area are protected and enhanced through careful management of development.
Heritage issues are part of our considerations in determining a development approval and the development may be refused if council heritage values are ignored, diminished or not being appropriately conserved.
As part of the planning application process and prior to the approval of any proposal for a development to a place, council may prepare a heritage assessment in accordance with Local Planning Policy 1.6 Preparation of Heritage Assessments which identifies and considers the:
- heritage significance of the place
- impact of the proposed development on the heritage significance
- conservation needs and recommendations.
West End conservation area policy
Fremantle's West End area is a prime example of a collection of places creating an area of historical and cultural importance. It contains 480 individually listed heritage buildings.
The West End Conservation Area Policy intends to guide decision-making and action in the process of general planning, development and conservation issues regarding the West End. The guidelines are based on statements of significance for the area as a whole, with specific statements of significance for the 5 identified zones that make up the West End Area.
Conservation of this non-renewable cultural asset and its enhancement by the compatible infill development while ensuring the area's contribution to the everyday functions of the city is the key objective of the West End Conservation Policy.
Streetscape redevelopment guidelines
The City of Fremantle has developed the urban design and streetscape guidelines for the benefit of conserving and enhancing areas of architectural and historic character, whilst encouraging harmonious development with the existing urban fabric. The policy ensures that existing cultural and heritage values are respected and inform planning decision throughout the development control and all other planning and implementation processes.