Jennifer Pittorino
The Maribyrnong community has emerged victorious following council’s decision to abandon the West Footscray inter-war and post-war heritage overlay.
The overlay would have resulted in new planning controls being introduced to protect eight heritage precincts in West Footscray and surrounding parts of Footscray and Maidstone.
During the June 20 council meeting, councillors explained they support the majority of the community who did not want the overlay.
Cr Jorge Jorquera said the heritage proposition could do the opposite of its intent.
“I oppose this heritage proposition for the Footscray area both for its negative impact on existing homeowners and also because of its potential impact on the future of the area as a whole,” he said
“Heritage protection of homes can make repairs, renovations and financing more complicated.”
In September 2021, council endorsed a heritage study for the purpose of community consultation.
Eight precincts were identified to have local significance with high levels of intactness and authenticity.
A public consultation period occurred from February 28 to April 7, 2022, during which council received 199 submissions.
Only 33 submissions supported the amendment as exhibited, the remaining either requested changes, further information, or not supporting the proposal.
Earlier this month, Rocco Cipriano made a last minute desperate plea to council to listen to him and leave his Tottenham shop off the heritage list.
“I am so excited about the news, I can’t express how happy I am. It is truly the best news and I’m so happy councillors looked after the interest of the ratepayers,” he said.
Mr Cipriano has no plans to sell his shop any time soon but he is pleased to know when the time comes, there will be heritage overlay looming over his head.
“ I am encouraged to keep it for a little while longer, and when the time comes to sell, I will be able to change it and make it appropriate for the area at that time,” he said.
Council will now notify the planning minister in writing of its decision and reasons for abandoning the amendment.
