Heritage Building Applications & Plan Approvals
ALTERATIONS • ADDITIONS • DEMOLITIONS • HERITAGE PROPERTIES
Planning building work on a heritage property in Melville?
Melville is known for its historic architecture and distinctive neighbourhood character. Protecting this heritage is a shared responsibility, while ensuring homeowners can maintain, improve and adapt their properties for modern living.
If your property is more than 60 years old, situated within a designated heritage area, or otherwise protected under heritage legislation, you may need heritage approval before undertaking alterations, additions or demolitions.
The Melville Residents' Association (MRA) Heritage Committee reviews proposed building plans and provides an endorsement stamp as part of the local heritage application process.
Residents are required to submit their plans to the MRA for review and stamping before proceeding with their application to PHRAG.
How the application process works
Step 1. Submit your building plans to the MRA
Email a colour copy of your proposed building plans to mra-heritage@ilovemelville.co.za. Include the property address, your name and contact details, and a brief description of the proposed work.
Step 2. Heritage Committee review
The MRA Heritage Committee will review the proposed plans in relation to the property's heritage context and the character of the surrounding neighbourhood. The committee may request clarification or amendments before endorsing the plans.
Step 3. Pay the MRA review fee
The applicable review fee must be paid to complete the MRA review and stamping process. The fee is R1000 for MRA Members and R2000 for non-members.
Step 4. Receive your endorsed plans
Once the review has been successfully completed and payment confirmed, the MRA will stamp the reviewed plans for inclusion in your heritage application.
Step 5. Submit your application to PHRAG
Submit your completed PHRAG application, the endorsed plans and all supporting documentation required by PHRAG. The provincial authority will assess the application and decide whether to issue a heritage permit.
MRA Heritage Plan Review Fees
These fees cover the MRA Heritage Committee's plan review and endorsement process. They are separate from any fees that may be charged by PHRAG or other authorities.
Pay via EFT
Residents who prefer to pay via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) can use the MRA's banking details below.
Banking Details
Account Name: Melville Residents’ Association
Bank: Standard Bank
Branch Code: 006105
Account Number: 401027511
Payment Reference: HERITAGE – [Property Address]
Heritage Plan Review Fees
MRA Members: R1,000
Non-MRA Members: R2,000
Once payment has been made, please email your proof of payment to mra-heritage@ilovemelville.co.za, together with your property address and applicant's name.
Please ensure that your payment reference clearly identifies the property so that we can allocate your payment correctly.
Important: Payment of the review fee does not guarantee endorsement of the building plans or approval by PHRAG.
Pay via PayFast
What do you need to submit to the MRA?
The MRA application requirements are intentionally simple.
A colour copy of the proposed building plans.
The physical address of the property.
The applicant's name and contact details.
A brief description of the proposed alterations, additions or demolition.
Send your application to mra-heritage@ilovemelville.co.za.
What happens after MRA endorsement?
Once your plans have been reviewed and stamped by the MRA, you can proceed with the formal PHRAG application.
PHRAG has a more comprehensive checklist, including:
Completed and signed Application Form 301.
Three sets of proposed building drawings (two coloured and one uncoloured).
Clearly labelled colour photographs of the property and surrounding streetscape.
Original building plans or a letter from the local authority confirming their unavailability.
Locality plan and site development plan.
Historical background, ownership and architectural information.
Relevant heritage body comments and any additional supporting documents applicable to the application.
The full requirements, including additional provisions for demolitions and state-owned buildings, are contained in the PHRAG application document.
Important: PHRAG indicates an application assessment period of approximately 8–12 weeks after all outstanding documentation has been received. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
Six-page application document containing the provincial requirements, supporting-document checklist and Application Form 301 available to download below.
Important information
MRA endorsement is an important step in the local heritage review process, but an MRA stamp does not constitute formal heritage approval or permission to begin construction.
Only PHRAG can issue the relevant provincial heritage permit. Homeowners remain responsible for obtaining all required statutory and municipal approvals before commencing work.
Need assistance?
For heritage-related building applications, plan reviews or questions about the MRA endorsement process, contact the MRA Heritage Committee.