Boroondara council has voted to let some heritage homeowners install rooftop solar without a planning permit, but people with more visible systems will still need council approval.
Renewable roadblocks: Around 14,800 properties in Boroondara are covered by heritage overlays, meaning many owners require a planning permit to install solar panels on the roof.
During a meeting in July, the majority of councillors voted in support of scrapping permit requirements for rooftop solar on heritage homes.
However, two councillors pushed to reverse the decision and bring the debate back to council.
A close vote: In Boroondara council’s August meeting, councillors voted 6-5 to allow solar panels to be installed without a planning permit on most homes within the heritage overlay, as long as they are not installed on the more visible front-facing part of the roof.
Owners of heritage-listed properties with front-facing facades visible from the road will still be required to apply for a permit. However, council will waive or rebate permit fees.
Not far enough: Boroondara councillor Rob Baillieu said the final motion was “indistinct from the status quo” and a “wasted opportunity”.
🗣️ “Climate change is an emergency that requires a proportionate response,” he told the chamber. “Climate change doesn’t need a permit, so why do we?”
🙅 The other side: Councillor Lisa Hollingsworth said reducing the permit requirements for heritage homes would lead to the “irreversible change … and degradation of Boroondara’s highly valued heritage”.
What’s next? Boroondara council now has to ask the state’s Planning Minister for permission to put the changes out for public comment.
After the council considers all public feedback, the Planning Minister ultimately has the final say in whether an amendment goes ahead.