Heritage extension closer

A NEW Town father has told the Hobart planning committee of how his family will need to sell their home and move unless an application to add an extra storey is approved.

The alteration of the home, which is located in a heritage precinct, would make way for an extended living area on the bottom floor and a master bedroom on the top floor.

The changes had been recommended for refusal, despite there being two representations in support of it from neighbours and none in opposition.

“My partner and I are huge supporters of heritage values, we bought this house precisely because of the heritage values it has,” the applicant, David Campbell said.

“We live on a street that has heritage houses and we’re proud to be a custodian of one of them.”

Mr Campbell said he had attempted to address a number of issues raised by the heritage officer.

“She was worried about the roof, so we’ve dropped it down. We’re trying to build an extension that complements and supports what’s there,” he said.

Mr Campbell said the home had gotten too small for his family.

“We moved in as a family, we’ve grown to love the area,” he said.

“We bought this when it was three of us with our first child, and with our second child it’s just too small.

“If we can’t extend we’re going to have to move out.”

Before the meeting, alderman Simon Behrakis told the Mercury it wasn’t uncommon for matters to be recommended for refusal based on heritage.

“It happens more often than it should. It’s becoming increasingly frustrated to those trying to get things done,’’ he said.

“There are obviously rules that need to be followed but we need to be looking for solutions rather than looking for opportunities to reject.”

Councillor Bill Harvey said it was a tricky situation.

“I’m sympathetic to the developer but also sympathetic to the heritage officer who’s recommended it for refusal,” Mr Harvey said

“Tonight I’m going to land with the heritage officer, but I’m hoping it can be re-evaluated.”

Councillor Will Coats said the compromises fitted in with the precinct.

“We’ve heard the applicant has made changes in response to the heritage officer, so to me that is them trying to meet them halfway,” he said.

The application was passed 4-2 and will go before the full council next Monday.