One of Perth’s oldest settlements could soon become the biggest listing on WA’s heritage register.

Guildford, one of three towns established when the Swan River colony was first settled in 1829, is to be assessed over the next few months for inclusion on the register.

Guildford land owners and stakeholders will be asked to give their views on the plan before the Heritage Council makes its recommendation to Heritage Minister David Templeman.

“Guildford has such an important story to tell about the State’s early history and development,” Mr Templeman said. “It is one of the State’s most important historic areas.

“The Heritage Council and I want to hear from owners, tenants, and the local community about whether they would support the entry of Guildford Historic Town in the State register.

“Places entered in the State register can be developed to meet contemporary needs or adapted for a new use, as long as the development is sensitively done and respects the heritage values of the place.”

Guildford’s urban design was based on the model of an English country town and still retains its original grid pattern layout around a central square.

The 3sqkm area — which stretches around the Guildford peninsula bordered by the Swan and Helena rivers and features the Guildford Town Hall, St Matthews Church, the Rose and Crown Hotel and Guildford Grammar School — is characterised by a collection of predominantly 19th century buildings.

Swan Guildford Historical Society president Celia Miller said the assessment was great news for the local community who have been pushing for the listing for several years.

She said residents should not be afraid of the registration because it will not stop them from doing work to their properties.

“It will also be great for tourism in the region and for local businesses,” she said.

The assessment has been launched at the request of the City of Swan after its own community consultation process.

City of Swan mayor David Lucas said he was delighted the wishes of the Guildford community had been heard.

“Guildford is a town steeped in history and its charm and character always makes an impression on the thousands of tourists who visit the area each year,” he said.

“The Guildford community have told us that heritage listing is necessary in order to preserve Guildford’s unique heritage values and character, its place in the State’s history and a desire to preserve this character for future generations.”