New laws to come into effect next week will introduce a "trigger" that will subject proposed development next to heritage places to extra scrutiny.

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said amendments to the State Development Assessment Provisions and Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009 would better protect heritage places.

New laws will provide a "trigger" for extra scrutiny of developments next to heritage places, such as Customs House. Credit:Bradley Kanaris

"The new trigger will ensure the cultural significance of state heritage places is not destroyed or substantially reduced by adjoining development," Ms Trad said.

"It will subject development applications on properties adjoining heritage places to the same level of scrutiny as the heritage place itself, ensuring a better outcome for the community."