Mathew Spiteri and his wife purchased their Spotswood home in September 2022. Shortly after settling, they were notified their home is listed on an imposed heritage overlay.
“That was a shock and it didn’t come at a great time, we need to do some work to the property as it is very dated,” he said.
“We would love to extend it, we are currently expecting a child and need another bedroom.
“We already have another son, he has a bedroom, we have one and I have no room for my office, I work from home which will now be impossible to do.”
Mr Spiteri’s home falls within the 120 additional properties existing in the Spotswood Residential Heritage Precinct and the six new heritage overlay precincts to be imposed with proposed overlay.
Public exhibition for the heritage amendment occurred earlier this year, according to Mr Spiteri of all people who responded to the submission, 94 per cent of people objected to the overlay.
“It’s going to affect all of our property values, not to mention it is restricting us and what we can do,” he said.
“We just have to wait for more information, we were initially thinking of rebuilding or extending but after speaking with council they have told us demolishing isn’t an option.
According to a Hobsons Bay council spokesperson, the introduction of a heritage overlay does not prohibit development.
“The heritage overlay does not prohibit the opportunity for repair or extension of heritage places, but rather establishes an additional layer of consideration for such places so the existing heritage values are maintained,” the spokesperson said.
“The proposed heritage overlays for Spotswood aim to conserve and enhance the heritage significance of the area.”
A hearing will be held on Monday, July 24 and Tuesday, July 25, where a planning panel will consider submissions made to heritage overlay amendment and make recommendations to council on how to proceed.
Mr Spiteri said if the overlay is imposed they will be left with no other option but to sell.
Jennifer Pittorino
