Davaar House owners seek approval for Salvatore Sgherza’s illegal building work in bid to restore historic mansion
A developer, who damaged a heritage-listed mansion, is expected to escape punishment as the property’s owner tries to fix the illegal work.
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A disgraced developer who damaged a heritage-listed mansion is expected to escape punishment as the property’s new owner tries to fix his illegal work.
Owners of Davaar House have applied for retrospective approval for illegal building work to the 173-year-old South Tce property as part of an amended application to revive the local heritage house and grounds.
The Advertiser revealed in December 2018 that developer Salvatore ‘Sam’ Sgherzha, who was last year convicted of bankruptcy breaches, had illegally removed the 14-room building’s historic fence and veranda during renovation works first approved in June 2016.
An underground carpark, built to serve an adjoining $35 million the apartment tower, also resulted in the mansion’s once landscaped front yard being replaced by a massive concrete slab installed 48cm higher than the original ground level.
Mortgagee in possession CEG Direct Sercurities, which took control of the project following the collapse of Sgherza’s business holdings, has lodged plans with the State Planning Commission to reinstate the fence, repair the house and landscape the forecourt.
This would require approval for illegal building work, including the installation of two 2.3m tall flues that vent an underground carpark.
The original landscape design featured paving, raised planter beds and turfed front yard.
But a planning report to the planning commission reveals that the “structural integrity” of the concrete surrounding Davaar House is “under-designed” to accommodate the approved design.
“Oxigen (landscape architects) have outlined the structural capacity precludes any built-up (sic) of soil of any kind – planting beds, trees or lawn,” the report says.
“Further, any minor structures (ie pergola), containers or planters above ground need to be placed in very specific locations.
“The strengthening of the concrete has been investigated, however, due to the construction of the underground car park stacker system and services, the applicant has stated this was unable to occur.”
The amended plans include paving, synthetic grass, potted plants and trees and using plants to screen the flues.
The assessment commission last week deferred a decision on the works pending more accurate drawings and a revised landscape plan.
CEG Direct Securities has been trying to sell Davaar House since May 2018.
