Statement of Heritage Impact Mosman

Trace Heritage prepared a Statement of Heritage Impact for proposed first floor additions to a Federation-era residence in Mosman. The property holds a Contributory 1 ranking within the Bradleys Head Road Heritage Conservation Area — the highest contributory classification, indicating a building that clearly reflects the key period of significance with its principal elements largely unaltered when viewed from the street.

The Property and Its Heritage Context

The subject property is a single-storey Federation residence occupying a prominent position within the Bradleys Head Road Heritage Conservation Area. The dwelling had previously been extended with modern rear and first floor additions, but its original street presentation remained substantially intact.

The Bradleys Head Road Heritage Conservation Area is one of Mosman's most significant heritage precincts, described as containing one of Sydney's most dramatic and pleasing residential streetscapes.

The Proposal

The owners sought additional bedroom and living space through a first floor extension. The proposed works included localised demolition of internal walls, demolition of modified rear roof planes, and extension of the first floor with new rooms. The property already had an existing development consent for attic-level additions — the current proposal represented a revised approach seeking a more sympathetic outcome in heritage terms.

Our Heritage Assessment

Our assessment found that the majority of proposed works involved changes to rear roof planes that had already been substantially altered by prior additions. The extension was designed to sit behind the principal front elevation, ensuring that the characteristic Federation-era street presentation would remain intact and legible.

The discreet positioning meant that the works would result in no discernible visual change to the conservation area when viewed from the surrounding streets.

Outcome

The Statement of Heritage Impact concluded that the proposed works maintained and conserved the contributory value of the subject property and its importance to the Bradleys Head Road Heritage Conservation Area. No adverse impact was anticipated on nearby heritage items. The report recommended approval on heritage grounds.

The project illustrates a common challenge on the Lower North Shore: achieving genuine improvements to the liveability of a heritage home while respecting the elevated conservation expectations that come with a Contributory 1 ranking.