Australian officials have sparked backlash after announcing plans to change the iconic exterior of its most famous landmark. The proposals could see handrails installed on the steps of the Sydney Opera House in an accessability alteration which has been praised by some as inclusive and slammed by others as a “box ticking” exercise. Opera House officials say the changes would “provide barrier-free access” to the venue, “making the site, building and the experiences we offer accessible to all”.

But South Wales Heritage Council has voted against the plans, warning of “adverse impacts” on the famous Monumental Steps and the building’s status as “an item of local, state, national and world heritage significance”. Architect Andrew Andersons, who worked on an upgrade of the Opera House forecourt in the 1980s, also warned that the proposals risk detracting from designer Jorn Utzon’s initial vision. “When you think of other landmarks around the world – the Helsinki Cathedral, the Spanish Steps in Rome – they don’t have handrails,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald. “Why does the Opera House need them?”

Mr Andersons also suggested that the plans are indicative of Australia’s “ideological problem of tinkering with everything in the name of ticking some sort of box”.

“No matter how well you design or detail the handrails, they won’t be any good because they weren’t in the original design and they don’t belong there,” he said.

Amy Whalley, chief executive of the Australian Disability Network, argued back that efforts to make the iconic structure a “universal design” were a “win for everybody”, as per News.com.au.

“We have seen it used all over the world to make changes at other significant heritage sites,” she said. “It gives access to far more people while still maintaining the heritage value of the place.”

Joanne Hewitt, chief executive of Achieve Australia, added: “[The Opera House] runs some amazing, accessible programs for people with disability and older people, so it is really important we can all safely access the beautiful building.

“We’ve got this whole generation of people who need to continue to use the space, who increasingly won’t be able to use the space if they don’t have this sort of amenity.”

The handrail installation has been proposed initially on a trial basis, to prevent those with mobility issues from having to use lifts to reach the foyers and theatres.