Jennifer Pittorino
Hobsons Bay council voted to adopt a controversial Spotswood Heritage Amendment which will protect sites of heritage significance in the suburb.
At a meeting on Tuesday, October 11, councillors adopted the amendment which will make changes to heritage overlays supported by an independent planning panel.
Councillor Daria Kellander was the only councillor who voted against the amendment, on the basis that she has spent a lot of time speaking with members of the community who are unhappy with the heritage overlay.
“We should fully support protecting examples of places that have outstanding architectural and historical merit,” said Cr Kellander.
“But these more recent overlays add further financial burden to both the homeowner and the home buyer and deny our community with choice to adapt to current needs, like the original owners had. All during a cost of living and housing affordability crisis.”
As reported by Star Weekly, earlier this year many Spotswood residents were upset with the prospect of a heritage overlay being imposed over their homes, fearing this would impact property values and limit what work they could do to their own home.
Councillor Peter Hemphill was one of five councillors to support the admendment saying he is “very supportive of heritage.”
Cr Hemphill like Cr Kellander said members of the community have been voicing their concerns, one of which was the effect on property values.
“One point raised was what impact this would have on property values, I’ll make a simple point,” he said.
“We have heritage overlays in Williamstown and Newport, and property value is something which hasn’t stopped them from decreasing, they continue to rise.
“If you’re in one of these heritage areas, you would have to abide by the rules that would be now set.”
Councillor Pamela Sutton-Leguad said anyone who has purchased a house in a heritage overlay area knows what they’re buying and it is not a surprise.
“There have been several opportunities for the community to look at the documents, come along to consultation sessions and give their feedback,” she said.
“This is one of the areas where we’ve spent a lot of time talking to the community.If we don’t protect what’s left of our heritage, then it will just disappear.”
