Professional Heritage Impact Statements for development within Coffs Harbour. Prepared by experienced heritage consultants with local knowledge and insight.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. BETTER RESULTS.
We combine more than 20 years of heritage and planning experience with a deep understanding of Coffs Harbour Council requirements and the NSW Heritage experience.
Our reports are practical, thorough and prepared to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
In-depth knowledge of Coffs Harbour planning controls, heritage items and conservation areas.
Reports prepared for your specific site and proposal, aligned with Council and NSW Heritage guidelines.
Clear analysis and recommendations that address key heritage issues and support your DA.
A strong track record of helping clients achieve heritage approvals across the Coffs Harbour.
LOCAL HERITAGE
Coffs Harbour is home to some of the Mid North Coast’s most distinctive heritage places, where historic townships, coastal landscapes, agricultural traditions and established neighbourhoods reflect the area’s rich history and unique character. From the iconic Big Banana and the region’s long association with banana farming to heritage buildings, beautiful beaches and the working harbour, Coffs Harbour has successfully balanced growth while preserving the places that continue to define its identity. Successful development requires a considered approach that respects this heritage while accommodating contemporary needs.
At Town Planning Collective, we prepare professionally researched Heritage Impact Statements that provide clear, balanced and practical assessments to support development applications throughout Coffs Harbour. With extensive experience in heritage planning, we understand the local planning framework, heritage controls and assessment considerations that influence development outcomes within Coffs Harbour City Council.
Whether you’re restoring a heritage home, planning alterations or additions to a character property, or proposing development involving a heritage item or property within a Heritage Conservation Area, we provide straightforward advice and professionally prepared heritage reports to help navigate the approval process with confidence.
HERITAGE IMPACT STATEMENTS
A Heritage Impact Statement is commonly required where proposed development may affect a heritage-listed property, a building within a Heritage Conservation Area or the setting of a nearby heritage item.
The purpose of the report is not simply to describe the history of the property. A well-prepared Heritage Impact Statement considers the significance of the place, assesses how the proposed works may affect that significance and provides a clear planning justification for why the development represents an appropriate heritage outcome.
This can be particularly important for alterations and additions, where contemporary changes need to be balanced against the retention of significant building fabric, streetscape character and the relationship of the property with its surrounding heritage context.
At Town Planning Collective, we prepare practical, development-focused Heritage Impact Statements that are designed to support the approval process. Our combined heritage and town planning experience allows us to consider not only the heritage significance of the property, but also how the proposed development will be assessed by Council.
Where appropriate, we can also provide advice during the design process to help identify potential heritage issues early and recommend changes that may strengthen the proposal before the Development Application is lodged.
HERITAGE SERVICES
Comprehensive heritage planning advice for heritage-listed properties and Heritage Conservation Areas.
Council-ready Heritage Impact Statements prepared for development applications, alterations, additions and new development.
Early advice to identify heritage constraints, planning pathways and approval requirements before you invest in plans.
Heritage management advice for significant sites, adaptive reuse and long-term conservation projects.
Advice for renovations, extensions and new development within Heritage Conservation Areas across NSW.
HERITAGE SPOTLIGHT
Standing proudly beside the Pacific Highway since 1964, the Big Banana has become one of Australia’s most recognisable roadside landmarks and an enduring symbol of Coffs Harbour. Built to celebrate the region’s thriving banana industry, it was the first of Australia’s famous “Big Things” and helped establish a tradition of iconic attractions found across the country. Today, it continues to welcome visitors while celebrating the agricultural heritage that helped shape the Coffs Coast.
The Big Banana is significant for its historical, cultural and tourism values. More than simply a novelty attraction, it represents the importance of banana farming to the development of Coffs Harbour and the surrounding region during the twentieth century. As Australia’s first “Big Thing”, it also played an important role in shaping the country’s roadside tourism culture and has become an instantly recognisable Australian icon.
For generations of Australians, a visit to the Big Banana has become a tradition. Families travelling the Pacific Highway have stopped to take photos, explore the attractions and learn about the region’s agricultural history. While the attraction has grown to include adventure activities, cafés and family entertainment, it continues to celebrate the banana industry that helped build Coffs Harbour’s identity.
The Big Banana demonstrates that heritage can be both fun and meaningful. Through its continued operation, ongoing investment and celebration of local farming history, the attraction preserves an important part of Coffs Harbour’s story while continuing to welcome new generations of visitors. It stands as a reminder that heritage is not only found in grand buildings, but also in the places that become part of a community’s identity and Australia’s shared cultural landscape.
LET’S BRING YOUR PROJECT TO LIFE
Our team prepares detailed, council-ready Heritage Impact Statements for your Council development application.