Register of Heritage and Neighbourhood Character Places

Many of Toowoomba's homes and streets reflect the Region's rich cultural history. To conserve and enhance this history, we apply Heritage and Neighbourhood Character planning overlays in historically significant areas.

If you own a property in an area with one of these overlays, you may have extra requirements when building or developing it.

Types of overlays

There are two types of Council planning overlays: Heritage overlay and Neighbourhood Character overlay.

Heritage Overlay

This overlay aims to protect places of cultural heritage significance. It applies to specific properties in the Region, which are nominated as either Local or State Heritage Places. 

The Queensland Government has more information about State Heritage Places.

Neighbourhood Character Overlay

This overlay aims to protect the Region's significant streetscapes. It applies to areas with a particular character due to their streetscapes. Neighbourhood Character Places are specific buildings that contribute to the streetscape.

Find out if your property has a Heritage or Neighbourhood Character overlay

1. Open the Planning Scheme.
2. Go to Schedule 6 – Planning Scheme Policies.
3. Go to Planning Scheme Policy No. 6 – Heritage Places or Planning Scheme Policy No. 7 – Neighbourhood Character Places.
4. Search for the relevant property address

Further assistance 

For more information about Heritage and Neighbourhood Character planning overlays, contact a Technical Advice Officer.