Heritage plan for The Bend

By Tania Martin
A NUMBER of heritage homes in Belgrave will be protected under an interim overlay despite concerns over a lack of consultation.
Several houses in an area known as The Bend, which is on the north side of Burwood Highway, have been highlighted as part of a review.
The Shire of Yarra Ranges at a recent (8 September) meeting agreed to include the houses in the overlay but assured residents there would be further chances to have their say.
This follows local historian Dianne Kueffer’s concerns over a lack of consultation.
“We are aware there is a lack of resources to hold such studies and feel those resources have been wasted in carrying out research which could be gained by a phone call to one of the local historical groups,” she said.
The shire’s manager of planning James Lamour-Reid said the interim overlay was just the beginning of the process.
He said the proposed overlay will be sent to the Minister for Planning for approval and will then go on public display.
Ms Keuffer believed the consultant report supplied to the council was flawed. It seems that history was not required,” she said.
Ms Keuffer said this had led to basic mistakes being made including the proposed naming of ‘Beauty Bend’ as a heritage precinct.
She said the area in question was actually known as The Bend or Swan’s Bend.
The report also outlined that although many of the commercial buildings were of the interwar period, they had been heavily modified.
Ms Keuffer said it was a great concern that the consultant had focussed on the level of intactness of the buildings rather than their history.
“Little seems to have been done to research the history or other significance,” she said.
“What is heritage? What is the point of protecting a building that is architecturally intact but has no connection or importance to the community and neglecting one that has an enduring place and long association to the people who used it?”
Ms Keuffer raised concerns that the former chemist shop, which dates back to 1920s, was excluded because it has had a metal window frame installed.
Ms Keuffer said the original Belgrave Grammar School, which later became the Baby Health Centre in 1938, was also not deemed significant because it had a brick addition on the front.
Ms Keuffer said although local historians were not happy with the approach to the study, it was important to continue the project.
Lyster Ward’s councillor Samantha Dunn said it was concerning the historical groups had not been consulted.
But Melba Ward Cr Terry Avery said it was vital the council to continue with the process.
“In the last 120 years we have only identified 39 buildings of heritage significance which is really concerning,” he said.
“I think this document is really important. I wonder where we will be in the next 120 years. Perhaps all buildings in this shire would be concrete tilt slabs and that’s really concerning if we don’t do anything.”
Cr Dunn agreed it was vital to protect the region’s heritage places before they disappear completely. “Otherwise one day we may look back and say what we were thinking,” she said.
“It’s important we provide these interim controls while the amendment change progresses to ensure the integrity of these properties are protected.”