In a bid to speed up implementation of the study, which was started 15 years ago, the council has also decided to classify into three groups heritage buildings under consideration.

These would be buildings and places of assembly such as churches; geographical places of significance, like the Avenue of Honour or river gorges; and private homes.

Cr Russ Hendry said the separation of houses from public buildings would clarify the planning process.

"If we do the whole lot together it will take longer," he said.

"It is not an easy process and it

has already been going on for 15 years."

Cr Hendry said state funding for the study was first received 15 years ago.

"We are revising that report and this will be put to a panel to decide and make a recommendation to Heritage Victoria."

The 1995 report was a joint initiative of the former Bacchus Marsh Shire and the Historic Buildings Council (now Heritage Victoria).

The council's amendments to the study attracted 45 submissions: 36objected, four offered no position, and five indicated support.

In a report, the council said the "significant time lapse" between the completion of the Bacchus Marsh heritage study and its implementation was unfortunate.