Trust leads fight

By Jim Mynard
A PUBLIC meeting will be held to discuss community concern over the possible demolition of the historic Old Coach House at Beaconsfield.
The Casey Cardinia branch of the National Trust (CCNT) called the meeting to be held in the Beaconsfield Community Centre, O’Neil Road, Beaconsfield, at 7.30pm on Monday (12 February).
The meeting will be conducted in conjunction with the Beaconsfield Progress Association and heritage groups.
CCNT president Ruth Crofts said a petition on the issue would be distributed during the week.
She said the trust had registered its objection to Cardinia Shire Council granting a permit to demolish the Kenilworth Coach House.
“The house is a unique historic landmark, being the last remaining link to the Nott family and the property’s use as the Berry Street Foundling Home, known as Beaconsfield Home,” Ms Crofts said.
“The building is listed in the Cardinia Shire Heritage Study and is under a heritage overlay.
“Demolition of this building would be a significant loss of the shire’s important heritage and a great loss for current and future residents.
“In the 173 agreement made between Cardinia Shire Council and the ownerdeveloper, a clause clearly states that the existing Coach House must be retained.
“The agreement clearly states that the ownerdeveloper will take all necessary steps to comply with the obligations in the agreement.
“It was clear to all parties the intent of the agreement at the time the developer signed and this should be honoured.
“It is a matter of principle that the council must not allow developers to flagrantly ignore obligations under 173 agreements to care for our heritage.
“Demolition by neglect must not become an option for developers.
“This would make a mockery of the council’s heritage planning agreements.
“We believe that an example should be made of any developer who attempts to disregard agreed obligations and the council’s requirements to save our heritage,” Ms Crofts said.
“To require this developer to make good the damage caused by neglect would send a clear message to all developers, and to the community, that the Cardinia council is committed to saving our heritage and is prepared to enforce its own regulations.
“This important heritage building is quite able to be restored and the developer should start work to stabilize the building as soon as possible.
“The building was in a habitable condition 18 months ago and after the resident vacated no protection measures were put in place.
“This neglect allowed the damage mentioned in the Chadwick Report, but it is still not beyond repair.
“A good heritage restoration would add to the desirability and sale value of the property and add to the value of the whole estate.”