Conservation Management Plans
A Conservation Management Plan (CMP) is a foundational document for the long-term stewardship of heritage places. It establishes why a place is significant, identifies the elements that contribute to that significance, and sets out policies to guide its conservation, management, and future use.
At Trace Heritage, we prepare CMPs in accordance with the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter and the NSW Heritage Manual. Our plans are practical, clearly structured documents that provide actionable guidance for property owners, managers, and design teams.
When Is a CMP Required?
- —Properties listed on the NSW State Heritage Register
- —Items of exceptional local heritage significance
- —Government-owned heritage properties and institutional sites
- —Prior to major works, adaptive reuse, or change of use of significant heritage places
- —As a condition of consent or as required by the NSW Heritage Council
What a CMP Includes
Documentary Evidence
Comprehensive historical research establishing the chronology of the place, its associations with significant people, events, and movements, and its broader historical context. This draws on primary sources including archival records, historic plans, photographs, and published histories.
Physical Evidence
Detailed analysis of the building fabric, landscape, and setting, documenting construction phases, materials, condition, and previous alterations. This section identifies the physical elements that contribute to heritage significance and those that are intrusive or of limited value.
Assessment of Significance
Assessment against the NSW Heritage Assessment Criteria and the Burra Charter values framework, resulting in a statement of significance, significance rankings for individual elements, and graded significance plans.
Conservation Policies
Clear, practical policies governing the treatment, use, management, and future development of the place. These policies are informed by the significance assessment and provide a framework for decision-making by owners, managers, and consent authorities.
Implementation Strategy
Prioritised actions for conservation works, ongoing maintenance, monitoring, and periodic review. The implementation strategy translates policies into a practical program of works and management actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Conservation Management Plan?
- A Conservation Management Plan (CMP) is a comprehensive document that establishes the heritage significance of a place and sets out policies and strategies for its conservation, management, and future use. CMPs are prepared in accordance with the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter and the NSW Heritage Manual guidelines.
- When is a Conservation Management Plan required?
- A CMP is typically required for properties listed on the NSW State Heritage Register, items of high local significance, and properties managed by government agencies. Many councils and the NSW Heritage Council require a CMP before approving major works to significant heritage items. They are also commonly prepared for institutional, commercial, and public heritage sites.
- What is the difference between a CMP and a Statement of Heritage Impact?
- A CMP is a long-term management document that establishes significance, conservation policies, and management strategies for a heritage place. A Statement of Heritage Impact (SHI) assesses the impact of specific proposed works on heritage significance. A CMP informs the preparation of an SHI — the SHI demonstrates that proposed works are consistent with the conservation policies in the CMP.
- How often should a Conservation Management Plan be reviewed?
- CMPs should be reviewed and updated periodically, typically every five to ten years, or when significant changes occur to the place or its context. Regular review ensures the CMP remains relevant to the current condition, use, and management of the property and reflects current conservation standards.
Contact our team to discuss your heritage project requirements.
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