By JESSE GRAHAM
Residents fume and fear their home values will fall…
HEALESVILLE residents have been fuming about a proposed heritage overlay, which is set to cover more than 100 homes and possibly see homeowners wearing extra costs.
But the council said the heritage overlay will have little effect on properties and their prices, and will not prohibit homeowners from developing their land.
Yarra Ranges Council is proposing an amendment to the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme, with a heritage overlay set to cover properties through Healesville and Chum Creek.
Precincts in the Healesville commercial area along Nicholson Street and in parts of Symons Street will also be part of the overlay.
Under the overlay, residents affected would have to apply for a planning permit for building and works, subdivision and demolition on their property.
However, the council is still taking public submissions on the proposed amendment, with independent panel hearing dates set for June and July to discuss the amendment before it is approved or refused.
According to the council, the amendment is aimed at ensuring development does not adversely affect heritage significance and that heritage issues are considered when development is proposed.
Doris Stevens, who is set to have her property included in the overlay, is worried about the potential effects a heritage overlay may have, particularly restrictions on development.
“If you have to get permits for almost everything… virtually, your house is not your own anymore,” she said.
“I personally don’t think that you should work hard to own a property and then have somebody telling you what to do with it.”
But Yarra Ranges Council’s Director of Building, Planning and Health Andrew Paxton said that no permit would be required for routine maintenance and repairs on a property.
He said that a meeting on Wednesday 2 April was held at which about 50 affected residents met with the council to discuss the overlay and its implications on the covered land.
Mr Paxton said that the overlay would not prohibit development, changing the appearance of buildings, or even the demolition of buildings.
“The heritage overlay requires a planning permit for any new development that changes the appearance of the building or demolition.
“However, the overlay does not prohibit either,” he said.
“It is important to emphasise council has the discretion to approve a demolition permit and, historically, this council has done so in cases where it was merited.
“No permit is required for routine maintenance and repairs, which was a concern to many people at the meeting.”
Some residents took to the web to air their grievances, with a website set up outlining concerns with the proposal and its possible implications on homeowners.
One of the key issues raised by the group was whether house values would fall under the overlay, referencing a heritage overlay in Stonnington around 1999 which saw a value reduction of about 10 to 15 per cent for 48 affected properties.
However, a report on heritage listings and property valuations in Victoria, which was published in 2001, stated that loss in property value did not necessarily occur as a result of heritage overlays.
“Generally speaking, heritage controls do not significantly affect property values for residential buildings particularly buildings in precincts,” the report reads.
The report stated that, in most instances, heritage properties continue to appreciate in value, though this is dependent on both the specific properties affected and the state of the property market at the time.
Mr Paxton agreed with the statement, and said that having a heritage overlay apply to a property will be of no “real effect”.
“Generally, because the Heritage Overlay does not prohibit any use or development, it does not have any real effect (on property prices),” he said.
Public submissions on the proposed amendment will be accepted by the council until 25 April, with a directions hearing on the amendment set for the week of 23 June and a panel hearing set for 21 July.
To view the amendment, visit www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au and search for “Amendment C131”, visit Healesville’s Community Link at 110 River Street, Healesville, or call 9294 6147.
