GREATER Bendigo councillors have been advised to give plans to subdivide Nanga Gnulle the go-ahead.
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A proposal to divide the Strathdale site into 13 lots will come before the council at its meeting on Wednesday, almost three years after the application was initially lodged.
The city has received more than 100 objections to the plans, one of the primary concerns being adverse effects on the site's heritage significance and cultural values.
Nanga Gnulle was a function venue.
A heritage overlay has been added to the main residence since the application was first submitted, with an independent expert finding it was of significance.
The mud brick dwelling, designed by the firm of important and influential architect Alistair Knox, would be retained as part of the largest lot in the subdivision.
But, while the main residence was found to be 'notably rare', heritage protection was not extended to the gardens on the Harley Street property.
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The proposed subdivision would see the removal of 0.266 hectares of native vegetation, according to the city's staffers.
An amenities block would also be demolished.
The amenities block is not of heritage significance, and studies found the gardens did not meet the criteria for either heritage significance or 'notable flora for protection'.
Two residential units, a function centre and other outbuildings are also proposed for removal. However, city staffers say a permit is not required because the buildings are not of heritage significance.
"The proposed subdivision has been designed the address the heritage significance of the existing dwelling," city staffers state in their report.
A new street is proposed, from which Nanga Gnulle's main residence would be visible.
DOCUMENT: City of Greater Bendigo's July meeting agenda
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Council staffers say the proposal "provides for an acceptable outcome" for the site's heritage significance.
"Whilst the site does lend itself toward a non-residential use given its size and the nature of the buildings contained within it, and it is understandable that some people in the community have an attachment to the site having held events there, council must consider the merits of the current application against the Greater Bendigo planning scheme."
They say the proposal is for an infill development within an urban area, and is appropriately zoned for residential development.
"The subdivision of the site and its development with dwellings in the future is not likely to result in significant negative cultural or social impact," the report says.
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