Two houses demolished as study on historic homes released

IT WAS done to protect grand homes from wrecking balls, but in the wake of the Hurlstone Park heritage study being released, two houses were hurriedly demolished.

Hurlstone Park resident Kate Burnham and her husband Martin Stott pictured with Marie Healy, in front of the couple’s home. Picture: Melvyn Knipe

CANTERBURY-Bankstown Council administrator Richard Colley has introduced an interim heritage order to prevent more rush demolitions in Hurlstone Park following the release of a heritage study.

On September 23, Canterbury-Bankstown Council released the findings of stage one of the study, which found 59 per cent of Hurlstone Park, including 51 properties and seven conservation areas, were of potential heritage significance.

But 48 hours later, homes at 118 Duntroon St and 36 Floss St, which were listed in heritage conservation areas, were on the road to ruin.

While both homes had been approved for demolition, a development application for a five-storey shop-top apartment complex to be built on the land had been rejected.

The Federation-style house at 118 Duntroon St that was demolished in the wake of the heritage study. Picture: Supplied

At last week’s council meeting, administrator Richard Colley introduced an interim heritage order to prevent more rush demolitions.

The IHOs will protect the 51 properties for a period of 12 months and prevent owners from demolishing or substantially altering the properties.

Hurlstone Park resident Marie Healy said she was happy with the outcome of the heritage study, but told the council at the meeting last week there was still scope to include more properties.

“I believe there are a few other houses that should be considered for inclusion in a heritage inventory, and there should be some flexibility for expansion of conservation areas to protect heritage streetscapes and provide buffer zones,” Ms Healy said.

One of the beautiful bedrooms inside Dalriada, one of the homes now listed as having potential heritage significance. Picture: Melvyn Knipe

Kate Burnham and her husband Martin Stott’s dining room. Picture: Melvyn Knipe

Earlier this year, Ms Healy conducted her own study into the heritage value of her neighbourhood.

She concluded that 60 per cent of dwellings in Hurlstone Park were of heritage merit, a hair’s breadth from council’s report.

While council has said that more buildings could be added to the inventory, they first need to submit a planning proposal to the Department of Planning.

If it receives approval to proceed, council will finalise the next two stages of the study and place the proposal on public exhibition for community feedback.

President of the Hurlstone Park Association Craig Field said it will be “interesting to see how it all pans out.”

“The Department of Planning has the ultimate call and I would think it is in direct conflict with their interests,” Mr Field said.

Sydenham to Bankstown urban renewal corridor. Picture: NSW Planning and Environment.

Hurlstone Park is one of the areas along the Sydenham to Bankstown rail line that has been earmarked for urban renewal by the State Government.

Mr Field, however, commended Canterbury-Bankstown Council on the dialogue they had established with the HPA.

“Canterbury-Bankstown Council under administration compared to the former council has been a breath of fresh air,” he said.

“They’ve listened and been really constructive.”

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