The City of Greater Bendigo has sought legal advice following the partial demolition of a 19th century stone wall, torn down during the St John of God Hospital car park redevelopment.
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The City has said part of the stone wall had been removed by the hospital before plans were submitted for the development, while also admitting its planning department had erred in approving incorrect reconstruction plans.
“At no stage was a permit issued to demolish the wall. Tree removal on the site caused portions of the wall to become unstable,” said the City of Greater Bendigo director strategy and growth, Bernie O’Sullivan.
“As this was unintended, notification to neighbours did not occur at the time but the city has since worked with neighbours and the hospital to find a solution.”
Mr O’Sullivan said the hospital’s plan to rebuild the remaining parts of the wall with a 2.4 metre red brick facade were endorsed by council, but then subsequent plans with a reduced height (2.1 metre) were incorrectly approved by the city.
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The result was council seeking legal advice, with Mr O’Sullivan confident of reaching an “agreeable outcome” through ongoing discussions.
Member of the Bendigo Historical Society James Lerk, who claims to have done a dig close to the wall 12 months ago, said its foundations were similar to other walls built in the 1850s.
“It certainly is one of the oldest surviving stone walls in Bendigo,” he said.
The roots of Elm Suckers had got into the ‘mud mortar’ between the various spines of the wall, which contributed to the structure’s lean, he said.
Fixing the defect would be not too difficult, said Mr Lerk, adding it would be worthwhile given there was so few local examples of older walls.
Mr O’Sullivan said the city's preference was to ensure the remaining part of the stone wall is preserved and made safe, due to its heritage values, with appropriate extensions to the existing red brick wall built to 2.4m (filling in the spaces where the stonewall was removed).
St John of God hospital chief executive Darren Rogers said the heritage wall was part of the hospital’s history and it hoped to preserve it for future generations.
“Public safety is our first priority so we are in discussions with Bendigo council to determine how the wall can be conserved and enjoyed safely,” he said.
