Mid-century modern homes: Bayside Council scraps plans for heritage overlay

A community has been divided by a campaign to heritage-protect dozens of Beaumaris and Black Rock homes, with one furious opponent saying she had been abused in her own street.

The overlay would have imposed tight restrictions on renovations to mid-century houses, such as this Eric Lyon house in Beaumaris.

Plans to slap a heritage overlay on dozens of Beaumaris and Black Rock homes have been scrapped by Bayside Council after furious homeowners spoke of anguish, anger and a community divided.

The council last year sent letters to 51 Beaumaris and Black Rock residents, telling them their mid-century modern homes would be put on an interim heritage overlay until a study was completed.

But the overlay has been unanimously abandoned by councillors and residents will instead be able to nominate their properties for heritage controls, if desired.

Some had been happy about the plan, with the Beaumaris Modern group of homeowners formed to educate and create awareness about heritage in the area.

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But the many who opposed it packed the council chambers last week, arguing it had caused sleepless nights, disharmony, distress and conflict between neighbours.

The foreshore homes are valued for their prized mid 20th-century character, however almost all of the homeowners, some who have lived there for 60 years, said the overlay was invasive, restrictive, would make renovating a nightmare, and force property values down.

Many of the homes were also nominated for heritage protection in 2008, but were found to not meet the criteria.

One Beaumaris resident said she had been abused in the street for not wanting to heritage-list her home, and another said the involuntary overlay was “morally unjust and would not protect the streetscapes anyway”.

“Have you ever felt like your home is no longer your home and has become a public space?” she said.

“We shouldn’t have to sacrifice everything we’ve earnt to save a home someone else loves. It’s marginalising the people who live in them.”

Renovations to mid-century homes would have been limited.

Mariemont Avenue resident Peter Caulfield said not one affected resident on the strip was supportive of the forced overlay.

“I can’t explain the stress and anxiety this has caused me and my wife,” Mr Caulfield said.

But overlay supporters including the host of the Lifestyle channel’s Grand Designs Australia television show Peter Maddison, had last year argued an overlay would increase property values.

Mr Maddison, who owns a mid-century Brighton house, then said: “I don’t think people should worry about the value of renovating because the property will be more sought after in the future.”

“People still use the same wallpaper in rooms. That’s what makes it so appealing.”

Peter Maddison in his 1960's Brighton home. Picture: Ian Currie

Councillor Clarke Martin last week said while he hoped residents would consider listing their homes on the voluntary register, it must be optional.

“We need to get rid of this sickening, wretched uncertainty across our community,” Cr Martin said.

“It’s clearly been shown there has been division in a community that is normally united and we cannot have that type of division.”

Cr Michael Heffernan said “one’s home was one’s castle” and the choice should not be taken away from homeowners.