What's happening?

Council has prepared a draft amendment to the Planning and Design Code (the Code) that aims to help protect and enhance places of historic value and neighbourhood character streetscapes in West Torrens.

We are seeking community feedback on this code amendment between 31 March and 17 May 2026.

It's important to note that this code amendment and its consultation is different to heritage listing. Council is working on a separate project about listing heritage places in West Torrens, learn more about that work on the West Torrens Heritage Review page.

Map showing area affected by the code amendment
Heritage and character protection in the Planning and Design Code

The Code contains spatial overlays that apply specific polices to defined areas.

The character area overlay applies to locations that display streetscape characteristics and development patterns that are of value to the local area.

The historic area overlay applies to areas with distinct historic character contributed by the buildings, spaces or general street pattern. Future development applications are assessed against the policies within the historic area overlay to ensure the integrity and character of the area is maintained by limiting uncontrolled demolition and development that would detract from the established character.

Individual buildings in the historic area overlay can be designated as representative buildings if they display characteristics of importance in a particular area. A representative building is not a state or local heritage place. buildings formalises that there is value in retaining and conserving a building as one that along with other similar buildings collectively represent the significant historic character of a historic area.

What is changing?

The proposed amendment makes changes to the Code that:

  • Update the where the historic area overlay and the character area overlay apply.
  • Updates the information in historic area statements and in character area statements that apply in West Torrens. These statements are an existing part of the current overlays, and the code amendment changes will better describe and define the historic character of areas to clarify what is important and worth conserving.
  • Within the historic area overlay area in West Torrens, adds and removes representative buildings shown in the South Australian Planning and Property Atlas (SAPPA).

Some properties are proposed to be added to existing character and historic areas. These are shown on the separate fact sheets below for each area.

Which areas are affected?

Historic area and character area overlays apply to the following suburbs in West Torrens click on the links to view fact sheets containing maps and information about proposed changes and affected properties:

How do I learn more?
  • Learn about proposed changes in your area from the fact sheets.
  • View the full code amendment via the Plan SA website.
  • Contact a council policy planner on 8416 6333 or planningpolicy@wtcc.sa.gov.au
  • Attend the drop in session on Wednesday 15 April, 4pm - 7pm at Cowandilla Community Room, 175 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Cowandilla.

Give your feedback

To share your feedback by Sunday 17 May 2026 either: