How to Navigate Heritage Controls Without Compromising Design or Budget

Balmain and Rozelle are some of Sydney’s most character-rich suburbs – full of stone cottages, terrace rows and 19th-century charm. But for homeowners looking to build new or renovate, that charm often comes with tight constraints. 

In the Inner West Council area, planning rules are geared toward replication. Roofs must be hipped or gabled, materials should “match existing development,” and details like mouldings, rendered finishes and heritage colour schemes are often required – even for completely new builds. 

At first glance, this may seem like a fair trade-off for preserving local character. But in practice, strict mimicry can make homes harder (and more expensive) to build – and ironically, less authentic. 

Why Copying the Past Doesn’t Always Work 

Requiring new homes to look like they were built in 1890 often leads to quick-fading materials, uninspired designs, and missed opportunities to improve energy efficiency. It also adds unnecessary cost – we've seen projects balloon by over $100,000 just to satisfy ornamental requirements, with no meaningful gain in value or comfort. 

There’s also the creative toll: architects are regularly told to “dial it back,” even when the underlying concept is respectful, sustainable, and well-considered. 

A Smarter Way to Design in Heritage Areas 

Just across the road, the City of Sydney takes a different approach – one that might offer a useful blueprint for how things could be done in the Inner West Council. There, the focus is on making new work legible: clearly of its time, but considerate of the rhythm, scale and material quality of its neighbours. 

That distinction allows for: 

• Greater design freedom 

• Smarter sustainability outcomes 

• A richer mix of housing types and architectural styles 

This approach has led to award-winning residential projects, increased housing diversity, and more adaptable homes that still feel right at home in historic streetscapes. 

What This Means for Your Project 

If you’re planning a new build or renovation in a heritage conservation area, knowing the rules is only half the battle. The real challenge is interpreting them in a way that meets council expectations and reflects how you actually want to live. 

There’s often more flexibility than people realise – but it needs to be unlocked strategically. For example: 

• Scale and rhythm matter more than ornamentation. Councils are often willing to consider modern forms if the building height, proportions and setbacks respect the streetscape. 

• Material choice is key. Using high-quality, contemporary materials that reference – but don’t mimic – neighbouring homes can lead to better long-term performance and fewer maintenance headaches. 

• Heritage isn’t uniform. Even within conservation areas, streets and sites are treated differently. A corner lot may be subject to additional visibility constraints, while a rear lane addition may offer more design freedom. 

In short, a one-size-fits-all heritage approach rarely works. But with a bit of nuance and good design logic, it's possible to create something that satisfies planners, serves your lifestyle, and stands the test of time. 

Ballast Point specialises in helping clients navigate heritage overlays with confidence. We work with councils, not against them – finding solutions that are sensitive to the past but designed for how you want to live today. 

Planning a heritage project in the Inner West? Get in touch with our team.