Modify a section 60 works approval

Gather your essential documents

These include:

• statement of heritage impact, to clearly explain the variation
• existing and proposed drawings with drawing schedule, to clearly show the variation
• if following an integrated development application, include your development consent and approved stamped plans.

To change the excavation director you must provide:

• a written statement by the excavation director that they either agree to the methodology as proposed, or
• an updated research design and excavation methodology to support the application.

Request pre-lodgement comments

Consider requesting pre-lodgement comments on your proposal.

See Pre-lodgement service for more information about this free service.

Set up your user account

Register a user account for the Heritage Management System if you are a first-time user.

Lodge your application

Lodge your application online via the Heritage Management System.

You will receive an application ID and payment receipt.

Your application is checked for completeness within 14 days.

Application assessment

Once accepted as complete, your application is allocated for assessment and the application clock starts. The timeframe is 40 days, or 60 days if advertised.

The nature and extent of impact on the significance of the heritage item is assessed. Internal specialists may provide input.

You may be contacted to discuss your application, provide additional information, and/or clarify details. The application clock stops until the requested information is received.

Heritage NSW will advertise an application for 21 days when:

• a proposal may have a major impact on heritage significance, or
• it is in the public interest.

An assessment report is then prepared with recommendations for determination.

Application outcome

The Heritage Council of NSW is the approval body, however
most applications are determined by a delegate.

The Heritage Council meets once a month. We can refer applications to the Heritage Council if:

• there would be substantial change that might remove or reduce heritage values
• it is potentially in the public interest or high profile
• the proposal is large (e.g. covers an extensive area like a precinct, suburb or town, or infrastructure)
• the original application was determined by the Heritage Council.

You can check the status of your application by logging into the Heritage Management System go to the dashboard section ‘My open applications’.

You will be informed of the outcome in writing.