Two permits are required for the subdivision of the property – a heritage permit from Heritage Victoria, and a planning permit from Indigo Shire Council.

The former gaol and surrounding land is on the Victorian Heritage Register and any changes to it require a heritage permit from Heritage Victoria. Heritage Victoria has the authority to consider how the subdivision proposal will affect the cultural heritage of the Gaol.

“Heritage Victoria issued a permit on 15 March 2007 for the subdivision of the land surrounding the gaol, including 18 residential lots,” Indigo Shire Environment and Development Services Manager Susan Cheetham said.

“The permit does not relate to any future development or building on the land, except for access roadways and some fences to screen any new residential lots along Sydney Rd.“  While the application does not include any proposals for future buildings, the application includes building envelopes for the site.  Heritage Victoria has included requirements for the exterior design and appearance of future houses in the heritage permit, which will be incorporated into development design guidelines, to ensure that development plans are consistent with the historic setting of the site.

The next step, an application to Council for a planning permit, was submitted on 29 March 2007. This includes 18 residential allotments on vacant land outside the prison walls. The application also proposes to create three further lots containing the Gaol building, the Industrial building and the Governor’s and Warder’s quarters. 

“We are now at the stage where we are ready to call for submissions from the community,” Ms Cheetham said.

“Submissions must be made in writing to Indigo Shire Council, including the reasons for the submission and how you would be affected.  It should be noted that there are no third party appeal rights to appeal the application to VCAT, so it is really important that any issues are raised now and considered by Council prior to making a decision on the application.”

Submissions can be sent to the Manager, Environment & Development Services, Indigo Shire Council, PO Box 75, Yackandandah 3749. Objections and submissions should be received by 5pm on 13 July 2007.