Richmond homeowners fight against heritage overlay

YOUNG families in an inner-city suburb are considering moving out of the area if a heritage overlay is placed on their homes.

Generic Shots of Richmond

YOUNG families in Richmond are considering moving out of the area if a heritage overlay is placed on their homes.

Yarra Council was overwhelmed with submissions objecting to the proposed heritage overlay in a heated and emotional meeting last night. More than 60 people attended the meeting.

Under the overlay, new building restrictions would be put in place, however, rear and upper-level extensions that comply with the heritage policy would still be allowed, and internal renovations would not require a planning permit.

The heritage overlay would affect about 500 homes.

The councillors controversially endorsed the recommendation to ask the Planning Minister to appoint an independent panel to consider the 164 submissions objecting the overlay.

Seven submissions supported the proposed amendment.

Coppin St resident Rob Hamilton, who bought his two-bedroom property in 2010, said the heritage overlay would restrict his young family’s ability to develop and renovate their home.

Mr Hamilton said he had already started going to auctions with the intention of moving out of the municipality.

“We love the architecture of our house and we wouldn’t ruin it,” Mr Hamilton said.

“We also don’t like the imposition of having an overlay to stop us doing what we think is tasteful development.”

Mr Hamilton said a more effective way to protect the suburb’s history would be to apply the existing building controls in the Yarra Planning Scheme more strictly.

“We also don’t like the imposition of having an overlay to stop us doing what we think is tasteful development.” — Rob Hamilton

Homeowners spoke out at the meeting saying it was too late to start preserving Richmond’s heritage character, with developers moving in to create high-density living.

Others questioned why their properties were graded as being of heritage significance.

Charles St resident Martin Keir said a building identification form from 1985 showed his property’s integrity rating was graded as “poor”, yet was included in the heritage overlay.

Objectors also said there would be a loss in property worth due to a loss in re-sale value and development potential.

The council was divided over the issue of going to an independent panel, voting 5-2. Cr Stephen Jolly was absent, while Cr Roberto Colanzi abstained from the vote.

Cr Colanzi moved a motion to exclude all objectors’ properties from the overlay, but it lost 3-5.

Cr Sam Gaylard, who moved the council’s recommendations, said it was important to have heritage overlay for social and economic benefits.

Cr Gaylard said despite the objections, the vast majority of people in the community supported the heritage overlay.

Cr Misha Coleman said there was confusion and misinformation in the community about the impacts of what a heritage overlay would mean for property owners.

Should these 500 homes in Richmond being protected by a heritage overlay? Tell us below.