Canada Bay Council at its meeting of 16 October voted narrowly to save a listed Heritage item at 34 Melbourne St Concord, an interwar California Bungalow.
“The motion to accept the officer’s recommendation (to refuse demolition of a heritage listed item) was very narrowly carried on the voices”, said Greens Councillor Bernard Rooney.
“I accept that heritage items involve some expense and work in preserving. However, this item was already listed when the current owner purchased it. The Concord streetscape in the view of many people is attractive and worth preserving, especially bungalows in the pre-1939 period. The owner retains the option to open up the back of the house and build a two story extension. There are many examples of very successful extensions in this style in Concord.”
“I was also concerned at how close the vote was on this issue”, said Cr Rooney. “There may be a flaw in the process where extensive time is taken, including professional reports and public exhibition, to declare a Conservation area or a Heritage listed item, and yet Council can vote on a single evening to demolish it. This item was only very narrowly saved, and I believe Council needs a stronger and more consistent stance on Heritage.”
Greens Candidate for Lowe Dr Marc Rerceretnam welcomed Canada Bay’s decision. “Concord is known for its pleasant California Bungalow-style residential streets”, said Dr Rerceretnam. “I have been campaigning on behalf of residents for preservation of heritage. The least that can be done is to defend the Heritage listed items and the Conservation Areas that have already been declared. The community needs to be vigilant in resisting pressures for development at the expense of heritage.”
Dr Marc Rerceretnam contact no: 0414 467 222
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