Heritage projects
Planning permits for demolition and construction within heritage overlays can be complex and are often controversial with local residents seeking to preserve the heritage qualities of an area or building. Applications range from new front fencing to two storey extensions to full demolition and redevelopment and we are experienced in managing the range of issues that arise during these applications.
Below is a selection of our Heritage projects. If you have any questions relating to these projects or would like to discuss your proposal with us, please give us a call on 03 9596 9000.
Ormond
Alterations and additions, including rear extension
.
This project, which received full approval at VCAT, is for additions to a heritage dwelling in Ormond.
.
The original dwelling is a 1920s Californian Bungalow which contains relatively small, separate rooms typical of family home designs of the time. The additions replace a single storey rear extension and includes an open plan living and dining area surrounding a courtyard to facilitate a modern indoor/outdoor family lifestyle. The additions also include a new first floor which includes a Master Bedroom and ensuite which is positioned behind the original dwelling façade to minimise the demolition of any original building fabric and the visual impact of the additions on the relatively intact 1920s streetscape.
.
We love the way Insider Outsider has taken cues from the original building and conceived a contemporary extension that both complements the Californian Bungalow style and is a unique and striking statement.
East Melbourne
Alterations and additions to side of dwelling
.
Located in one of the most pristine heritage streetscapes in East Melbourne, the issue of the planning permit to allow for the construction of a basement with bedrooms and ground floor living to the side of the existing dwelling was challenging with significant local opposition. The main challenges included the scale and architectural form of the extension to the side of the existing dwelling, its proximity to the street frontage and the potential for impact on adjoining properties.
.
We were able to manage the planning process gaining support for the proposal from the Council. This decision was appealed by the neighbours and the East Melbourne Association and following a lengthy VCAT hearing, the Tribunal accepted the submissions of the project team and granted the planning permit.
Brighton
Demolition of dwelling and development of apartment building in a heritage precinct
.
The proposal for three apartments in an attic style building form came about following the refusal of a proposal for four apartments in a conventional two storey building form.
The application was considered by VCAT with the key issue being the insertion of a new two storey building between two significantly graded single storey dwellings. The application was supported by VCAT and the key to success for the proposal was the integration of the third apartment into the roof space.
South Yarra
Demolition of dwelling and construction of apartment building in a heritage precinct
.
This proposal included the full demolition of the existing dwelling on the subject site which was not identified as significant or contributory to the heritage place. The demolition was considered to be appropriate by Council and the challenge was then to demonstrate that the proposed four storey building form was site responsive and respectful of the heritage character of the area.
.
With a predominantly two storey streetscape either side of the subject site, we were able to convince Council that buildings on the opposite side of the road and to the rear of the site should be taken into consideration as they also formed part of the character of the area.
.
The high quality contemporary architecture and demonstration of minimal offsite amenity impacts rounded out the key planning considerations and the planning permit was issued by Council.
Brighton East
Alterations and additions
.
Keen Planning is excited to have secured a planning permit for additions to this historic dwelling in Brighton East.
.
The additions were visible from the street and the challenge was to be able to convince Council that the visibility would not unreasonably detract from the heritage values of the property.
.
It was also important to ensure the design retained important trees within the site, of which there are a large number.
.
We were pleased that Council gave their full support to the proposal.
