HERITAGE grants could be open to more houses in Orange's oldest areas, with conservation areas currently under review.
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There are currently a number of anomalies, particularly in the central heritage conservation area, where boundaries are drawn down the middle of the street.
It means while the southern side of Prince Street and the northern side of Moulder Street fall within the boundary, the northern side of Prince and the southern side of Moulder do not.
Orange City Council heritage consultant David Scobie said the anomalies came from the original subdivisions.
"They were based on the blocks," he said.
"Because we want to protect both sides, if we put the dividing line at the rear of the properties on that side of the street, we can include both sets of houses," he said.
The council has hosted two workshops to discuss current listings and possible additions to both the conservation areas and individual property listings.
We don't ask them to copy the original building, but we say [alterations] should be subservient and don't distract you.
- David Scobie
The area around Newman Park is another location under consideration.
The nominations will then be assessed under stage heritage guidelines before those deemed appropriate are put to the council.
Affected property owners will also be consulted.
For those properties ultimately approved and added, Mr Scobie said it did not mean they could never be altered again.
"We encourage people to look after their buildings and update their kitchens and bathrooms," he said.
"The best way to look after something is to ensure it's got really good use."
He said keeping the front facades intact was the main priority.
"When we meet up with applicants, they often fear the worst, but we see how we can help them alleviate those concerns," he said.
"We don't ask them to copy the original building, but we say [alterations] should be subservient and don't distract you."
Mr Scobie said councils usually had heritage grant budgets of $15,000 a year to help with upkeep such as treating rising damp or fresh paint, plus free advice when property owners need it.
"There's no limit to the number of applications," he said.
Public consultation on the heritage study ends Wednesday, July 31.
Enter your submissions by clicking here.
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