Defining what makes a place special. Protecting it in planning.
A heritage character statement defines and documents the character of a heritage place or heritage area — identifying the physical elements, historical associations, streetscape qualities and cultural values that together give a place its distinctive identity and significance. In WA's planning system, heritage character statements are prepared for a range of purposes: to support local heritage survey nominations, to inform local planning scheme provisions for heritage precincts and character areas, to guide development assessment in areas with identified heritage character, and to support development applications in heritage-sensitive contexts where an understanding of local character is required.
Trace Archaeology prepares heritage character statements for local governments, property developers, architects and private landowners across the Perth metropolitan area and regional WA. Our character statements are prepared by qualified heritage professionals who combine a thorough understanding of WA's historic built environment with a practical knowledge of the planning framework within which character statements are used and assessed.
A well-prepared heritage character statement does more than describe what is there — it articulates why it matters, what elements are essential to the character of the place and what types of development or alteration are compatible with that character. This requires a structured approach that goes beyond visual description to examine the historical context, development patterns, architectural styles, materials, setbacks, landscaping and spatial qualities that together define the character of an area or place. Trace Archaeology's character statements provide exactly this depth of analysis — giving local governments, heritage officers and development assessment panels a clear and authoritative basis for heritage-informed decision-making.
For property developers and architects proposing development in heritage character areas, a robust character statement prepared by Trace Archaeology can significantly strengthen a development application by demonstrating that the design response is informed by a thorough understanding of the heritage context and has been developed to complement and respect the character values of the area. Our character statements are written to be useful documents for the full lifecycle of a heritage area — from the initial identification and documentation of character values through to their ongoing application in development assessment.
We also prepare heritage character statements as part of broader local heritage survey work — working with local governments to systematically document the character of heritage precincts and areas across their local planning scheme areas, producing documentation that supports informed and consistent heritage decision-making across the municipality.
Trace Archaeology is a division of Trace Enterprises — Perth's only fully integrated heritage, environmental and planning consultancy.
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Every heritage and environmental project starts with the right conversation.
Whatever your heritage or environmental project needs, Trace Archaeology and Trace Ecology is ready to help. Talk to our team today — no obligation.