State Government steps in make sure Brisbane’s Lamb House remains intact

One of Queensland’s most important heritage homes will be safe from bulldozers — for a few years at least — after the State Government today approved a request for local planning protections.

ONE of Queensland’s most important heritage homes will not be bulldozed to make way for high-rise units — at least for the next two years — after the State Government today approved Brisbane City Council’s request for a temporary local planning instrument.

The decision means Lamb House, a once-grand 1903 mansion sitting on prime real estate in Kangaroo Point, will not be able to demolished by developer Kevin Seymour, as feared by its owner Joy Lamb.

Joy Lamb at Lamb House. Picture: Peter Wallis

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, Cameron Dick said Lamb House was a prominent feature on the Kangaroo Point cliffs and an incredible reminder of how the inner city once was.

“Fast-tracking this TLPI will provide extra protection and certainty as quickly as possible.

“This TLPI will preserve not only the house but also the extensive grounds it rests on, so the integrity of the property and its streetscape values will both be maintained.”

The home’s owner, Joy Lamb, welcomed the decision, reiterating that she would never sell to a developer who wanted to tear the place down.

Lamb House in the Brisbane suburb of Kangaroo Point. Picture: Peter Wallis

“This was, and still is, a significant home that has a rich history, and my family would never want to see high-rise units in its place,” said Mrs Lamb, who moved out of the two storey mansion in 2015 after the top level bathroom floor collapsed.

Lamb House is currently heritage listed under both the Brisbane City Plan and the State Heritage Register.

Before the TLPI was introduced, zoning allowed for multiple dwellings to be constructed on the site, causing an imminent risk of infill development.

Mr Dick said the temporary local planning instrument took effect from June 11, 2019, and would be in place for up to two years.

“During this time, we will continue to work with council to ensure the right planning protections are in place to prevent future development on the site,” he said.