Statements of Heritage Impact (SHI) — Sydney & NSW
A Statement of Heritage Impact — also known as a Heritage Impact Statement (HIS) or, in the most recent NSW guidelines, a SOHI — is a critical document in the NSW planning process. Statements of Heritage Impact are required for development applications involving heritage items, properties within Heritage Conservation Areas, and works in the vicinity of a heritage item where the proposed development may affect its setting. A SHI demonstrates how proposed works will affect the heritage significance of the place, assessed against the NSW Heritage Manual and the Heritage Council of NSW’s Statements of heritage impact guideline (revised 2023, replacing the 1996 / 2002 editions).
At Trace Heritage, we prepare comprehensive Statements of Heritage Impact that satisfy council requirements while helping our clients achieve their development goals. Our approach balances heritage conservation with practical design outcomes.
What a Statement of Heritage Impact Includes
A complete Statement of Heritage Impact prepared by Trace Heritage typically includes:
- —Description of the heritage item or place — physical, locational and statutory context, including LEP listing details, State Heritage Register entry (where relevant), and inclusion within any Heritage Conservation Area.
- —Statement of heritage significance — assessed against the seven NSW Heritage Assessment Criteria (a–g).
- —Description of the proposed works — drawn from the architectural drawings, scope of works and statement of environmental effects.
- —Heritage impact assessment — addressing the four questions in the NSW Heritage Manual and the Statements of heritage impact guideline.
- —Mitigation and recommendations — practical design responses to reduce adverse impact.
- —Conclusion and statement of compatibility with the relevant LEP, DCP and any Conservation Management Plan.
Statement of Heritage Impact vs Heritage Impact Statement
Statement of Heritage Impact (SHI), Heritage Impact Statement (HIS) and SOHI are different names for the same document. The Heritage Council of NSW’s 2023 guideline uses Statements of heritage impact (commonly abbreviated to SOHI); many Sydney councils and architects continue to use HIS or SHI in development application templates and consent conditions. All three terms describe an assessment of the impact of proposed development on the heritage significance of a place.
A Statement of Heritage Impact is a different document from a Heritage Assessment, which evaluates whether a place has heritage significance worth listing in the first place. See our detailed comparison.
When Is an SHI Required?
A Statement of Heritage Impact is generally required when proposing works to:
- —Properties listed as heritage items on a Local Environmental Plan (LEP)
- —Properties listed on the NSW State Heritage Register
- —Properties within a Heritage Conservation Area (HCA)
- —Properties in the vicinity of a heritage item where the proposed works may affect its setting
Our SHI Process
1. Site Inspection & Research
We visit the property to understand its physical characteristics, setting, and condition. We conduct historical research using council records, State archives, and other primary sources to establish the history and significance of the place.
2. Significance Assessment
We assess the heritage significance of the property against the NSW Heritage Assessment Criteria, identifying the key elements that contribute to its heritage value.
3. Impact Assessment
Using the Heritage Council of NSW’s 2023 guideline and the NSW Heritage Manual, we evaluate the potential impact of the proposed works on the identified heritage significance. This includes consideration of visual impacts, fabric loss, changes to setting, and cumulative effects.
4. Recommendations
Where impacts are identified, we provide practical recommendations for design modifications or mitigation measures that can reduce adverse heritage impacts while maintaining the viability of the project.
Related Guides
Authorship and Qualifications
Trace Heritage’s Statements of Heritage Impact are authored by qualified heritage professionals. Director Charlotte Simons holds a Master of Heritage Conservation from the University of Sydney (awarded the Morton Herman Prize in Building Conservation and the Australian Institute of Building NSW Chapter President’s Award), has served as a Council Heritage Officer in NSW local government, and is an Expert Witness in the NSW Land & Environment Court. Read more about our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Statement of Heritage Impact?
- A Statement of Heritage Impact (SHI) is a document that assesses the potential impact of proposed development works on the heritage significance of a property or place. It is required as part of a development application (DA) for properties that are heritage-listed or located within a Heritage Conservation Area (HCA) in NSW. It is also referred to as a Heritage Impact Statement (HIS) and, in the most recent NSW guidelines, a SOHI.
- When do I need a Statement of Heritage Impact?
- An SHI is required when you are proposing works to a property that is listed as a heritage item on a Local Environmental Plan (LEP), listed on the State Heritage Register, or located within a Heritage Conservation Area. This includes alterations, additions, demolition, new construction, and changes of use. It may also be required for works in the vicinity of a heritage item where the proposal could affect its setting.
- What does a Statement of Heritage Impact include?
- An SHI typically includes a description of the heritage item and its statutory context, a statement of significance assessed against the seven NSW Heritage Assessment Criteria, a description of the proposed works, an assessment of heritage impact addressing the four questions in the NSW Heritage Manual and the 2023 Statements of heritage impact guideline, mitigation and design recommendations, and a conclusion on compatibility with the relevant LEP, DCP and any Conservation Management Plan.
- How long does it take to prepare an SHI?
- Preparation time depends on the complexity of the project and the heritage significance of the property. A straightforward SHI for minor works to a locally listed item may be completed within one to two weeks. More complex projects involving State Heritage Register items or substantial alterations may require several weeks, including site inspection, research, and consultation.
- What is the difference between an SHI and a Heritage Assessment?
- A Heritage Assessment evaluates whether a place has heritage significance and may recommend it for heritage listing. A Statement of Heritage Impact assesses the effect of proposed works on an already-identified heritage item or conservation area. They serve different purposes in the planning process.
- How much does a Statement of Heritage Impact cost in Sydney?
- Fees for a Statement of Heritage Impact in Sydney vary with the heritage listing tier (locally listed item, contributory building within a Heritage Conservation Area, or State Heritage Register item), the scope of proposed works, and the extent of impact on significant fabric. A straightforward SHI for minor works to a locally listed item is at the lower end; complex SHIs for SHR items or major alterations are at the upper end. Contact us with your address and architectural drawings for a tailored quote.
- Who can prepare a Statement of Heritage Impact in NSW?
- A Statement of Heritage Impact in NSW must be prepared by a suitably qualified heritage consultant. Most councils and Heritage NSW expect the author to hold postgraduate qualifications in heritage conservation or a closely related discipline. For State Heritage Register items and significant local items, councils often require a heritage consultant on a recognised professional register or with demonstrated equivalent experience.
- Is a Heritage Impact Statement the same as a Statement of Heritage Impact?
- Yes. Heritage Impact Statement (HIS), Statement of Heritage Impact (SHI) and SOHI all refer to the same document — an assessment of how proposed development will affect the heritage significance of a place. The terminology varies between councils and over time; the NSW Heritage Council's 2023 guideline uses 'Statements of heritage impact' (often abbreviated SOHI), while many councils and architects continue to call the same document an HIS or SHI.
Contact our team to discuss your heritage project requirements.
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