Willoughby City Council has made an Interim Heritage Order (IHO) over a $5 million home in Chatswood in a bid to temporarily protect the property while further heritage investigations are carried out.
Interim Heritage Orders are made under the NSW Heritage Act 1977 and provide temporary protection for places that may be of local heritage significance and are at risk of being harmed.
The decision follows a Preliminary Heritage Assessment completed by Council, which found the dwelling is likely to meet multiple heritage criteria, including historical significance, historical associations, aesthetic significance, rarity and representative value.
The home was sold at auction for $5.16 million by Belle Property Lane Cove in October last year.
Council says its action responds to the imminent risk of demolition, with a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) issued on 5 January approving demolition of the existing building.
Mayor, Tanya Taylor said the Interim Heritage Order demonstrates Council’s commitment to protecting the character and history of Willoughby’s suburbs while planning responsibly for the future.
“We are acting to protect what makes our area special, while also being honest about the need to plan for more homes in the right places.” Mayor Taylor said.
“Our CBD is already a centre for jobs, transport and services, and it is the right place for future housing growth. Our suburbs are different. They have a strong character and heritage that people care deeply about, and Council is committed to respecting and protecting that.”
“This decision shows that growth and heritage are not competing ideas. We can do both well.”
Council will now commission a further heritage assessment by a suitably qualified heritage consultant to determine whether the property should be nominated for listing as an item of local heritage significance.
Under the Heritage Act, the IHO will lapse after six months unless Council resolves to progress a local heritage listing, in which case it may remain in force for a further six months.
