How to navigate complex heritage overlay planning restrictions for residential renovations in inner-city Melbourne?

Begin by engaging a specialist heritage architect or consultant familiar with the specific Melbourne municipality's planning scheme and conservation policies to thoroughly understand the property's heritage citation and the precinct's significance. Develop a design strategy that prioritises retention and sympathetic restoration of significant elements, proposing only well-justified, complementary modern interventions that enhance the property's value while clearly articulating how they respect the heritage context to facilitate a smoother council approval process.