DA lodged by Dougherty Constructions for 229 Bacon St, Grafton affordable housing project
A heritage building near the heart of Grafton could soon be knocked down to make way for much-needed affordable housing. Here’s what’s planned.
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A prominent Clarence Valley couple are planning to knock down a heritage building to make way for affordable housing.
Developers Paul and Margaret Dougherty of Dougherty Constructions are behind the push to demolish a rundown home on Bacon St, Grafton to replace it with six units.
In a heritage impact statement lodged with Clarence Valley Council, the existing home is described as a “poorly presented weatherboard Federation style residence”.
It’s stated the demolition of this building could ultimately help enhance Grafton’s “heritage values”.
“It could arguably be seen to enhance the heritage values of the Grafton Heritage Conservation Area by removing a dilapidated building that is uneconomical,” plans state.
The building would be replaced “with a modern, practical alternative providing much needed affordable accessible housing in the area”.
Housing shortages, rough sleeping and homelessness have become more pronounced in regional towns such as Grafton in recent times, according to statistics and community leaders.
Grafton’s growing homeless population is most visible in a ‘tent city’ at Truck Drivers Memorial Park, South Grafton.
Earlier this year, concern about the number of people living in makeshift tents at the park prompted the council to issue a statement.
“There is growing concern from the public and Council regarding temporary camping and occupancy of the Truck Drivers Memorial Park in South Grafton,” it read.
“The Clarence Valley has one of the higher growth rates in homelessness on the North Coast and the present situation in South Grafton is symptomatic of the effects of people being displaced from housing through a range of factors including economic pressures and disaster events.”
If approved, the two-bedroom Bacon St units would include eight vehicle parking spaces.
Dougherty Construction has been contacted for comment.
Clarence residents have until April 15 to have their say on the proposal.
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