Brisbane City Council seeks to retain housing constructed prior to 1946 where located within the Traditional Building Character Overlay (TBCO). The TBCO (Demolition) Code sets out to protect pre-1946 dwellings due to their contribution to the distinctive traditional character of certain parts of Brisbane, and their link with Brisbane’s history.

However, there are circumstances where genuine arguments can illustrate compliance with the TBCO (Demolition) Code and support the demolition of pre-1946 dwellings.

Obtaining permission to demolish a traditional character house in Brisbane requires more than just an assessment of the subject house and its immediate neighbours. The visual character of the whole street is relevant and is often crucial.