5 July 2013

Strathfield Council has welcomed a decision by the Land and Environment Court to refuse demolition of a heritage property on Burlington Road, Homebush.

A development application for the demolition of the property and construction of a single storey dwelling was lodged to Council in 2010.

The Development Application was refused by Council due to the property being a heritage item with significant contributions to the setting, history and aesthetic characteristics of the adjoining heritage conservation precinct according to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

The heritage listed property, also known as Camden Lodge, was damaged by a fire in January 2012.

An appeal was filed to the Land and Environment in February after Council refused the request to reconsider the development application and issued an order for the owner to repair the damage caused by the fire.

Commissioner Linda Pearson concluded that in circumstances where the building can be reconstructed to retain its heritage significance without placing unacceptable financial burden on the owner, demolition should not be permitted.

The court refused the Development Application for the demolition of the property and dismissed the appeal.

Strathfield Mayor, Cr Gulian Vaccari said the outcome is positive for heritage conservation and a victory for residents.

“Strathfield Council and Strathfield residents have strongly opposed the Development Application because of the heritage value of the property” he said.

“Strathfield is renowned for its heritage properties and the decision is fantastic result for the community who are passionate about the history of the area. Council will continue to promote the importance of heritage conservation in the Strathfield local government area.”

The full judgement document is available to view here.