An “abundance of vacant commercial properties in Kyneton” has helped secure the restoration of a circa 1906 house of heritage significance.
The Edwardian single-storey brick building at 178 Mollison Street, also known as Ellim-eek, was at the centre of council debate last week over plans for a two-lot subdivision that would change its use from commercial to residential.
The plan included construction of an additional studio apartment to the rear of the site as well as renovations to the existing building consistent with its heritage status.
The property was previously used for office space and council officers argued its use change within a commercial precinct would go against strategies that aimed to protect and promote business activity in commercial zones.
This view was adopted by councillor Mandi Mees who said the proposal took away “the opportunity to activate Mollison Street” due to its location.
Planning consultant Lester Trickey, however, championed the merits of the project.
“Kyneton has abundant vacant and under-utilised commercial land that extends from Mollison, High and Piper Streets,” he said.
Mr Trickey said the proposal created housing diversity, potential future visitor accommodation and encouraged walking and cycling over vehicle use due its proximity to commercial activity. Importantly, the owners were committed to preserving the heritage of the building.
“This proposal brings to the community two people who want to reinstate an iconic dwelling in the town back to its former glory,” he said.
The property is included within the National Trust and Victorian Heritage Databases, which identify heritage values but apply no protection.
It was included in a heritage overlay under the previous Shire of Kyneton Planning Scheme but council officers revealed heritage overlay protection of the site was “erroneously omitted” during the implementation of the new planning scheme in 2000. This was rectified in a separate planning scheme amendment approved at the same meeting last week.
Cr Jennifer Anderson said the preservation of local heritage was important and she was satisfied that the project presented benefits for the town. Cr Anderson said the use was consistent with the abutting Mair Street, which was residential.
The application was approved against council officer recommendation with an exhaustive list of conditions. Cr Mees was the only councillor to vote against the proposal.
