Heritage street has a win

A CONTROVERSIAL decision by the City of Greater Bendigo to allow a single-storey house of modern design to be built in a cul-de-sac of Edwardian-style cottages has been overturned.The council voted, with conditions, to allow the two-bedroom house with garage parking to be built on a small block in Hopetoun Street, one of the city’s most scenic and best-preserved streets.However, residents unhappy with the decision took the matter to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. After a long battle, the decision was handed down in their favour.During a hearing late last month the objectors, including Graeme Rooke, who lives opposite the site, said the new house would be out of character with the street’s existing buildings.He also argued that the proposed building would be at risk of flooding from the nearby creek.A city representative said the council was aware of the heritage value of the street, but it believed the new dwelling would fit local law requirements without any adverse effects.Following the hearing, which was held in the Bendigo courts, VCAT member Bill Sibonis visited the site and adjourned the matter for consideration.“I have concluded that this proposal does not represent an acceptable response to the site and its context,” his final report said.“I will set aside the council’s decision and direct that the permit is not granted.” Initially the developer wanted a two-storey house, but was refused by the town planner.At the time Cr Barry Lyons said that if the permit was knocked back it would keep developers away from Bendigo.Julian Bartlett has lived in the street for more than 12 years. “It’s not about stopping development full stop. Urban streetscapes are just as significant in terms of protection as the Shamrock Hotel or the old Post Office. It’s about … some context of where Bendigo came from.