Character houses to be protected under proposed changes

Published on 15 May 2019

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Rockhampton Regional Council is proposing to limit demolition of Queenslander style houses in areas of Allenstown, The Range, and Wandal.

The demolition controls are part of a Character overlay which has been suggested by Council in the proposed Major Amendment to the Planning Scheme currently open for public consultation.

Chair of Council’s Planning Committee Councillor Ellen Smith said there were two different kinds of protection being considered.

“The first control being considered is a ‘demolition’ control for a number of properties within the areas of Allenstown, The Range, and Wandal,” said Cr Smith.

“The only impact our proposed changes would have on these properties is that owners would need to apply for permission if they wanted to fully or partially demolish their house.

“Secondly, there are stronger controls around design for any new building work over a smaller and specific group of houses in Glencoe Street, Caroline Street, parts of Agnes Street, parts of Davis Street, and parts of Corberry Street.

“These are the most iconic of our beautiful Queenslanders. These properties have already had a similar level of protection under the previous planning scheme and so this overlay is a continuation of that protection. 

“These controls will continue to ensure that new houses and alterations to existing houses will be in keeping with the character of the area.

“The new Character overlay is intended to preserve the character of some of Rockhampton’s iconic residential areas.

“Rockhampton is the proud home of the Queenslander, and it’s these stately and charming homes that set us apart from the rest of the state and Australia.

“These houses connect our Region to its past, which is just one reason we want to protect the character of these areas.

“They are iconic to people who visit our Region, and to us as residents who love the history and aesthetic they add to our neighbourhoods. Indeed, it was during a previous consultation about our main Planning Scheme that a number of people asked that we look at putting these protections in place.

“If you would like to have a chat about how the proposed Character Overlay could affect your property, reach out to one of our Customer Service Centres for a chat.

“Please do make a submission to our consultation: every single one will receive a formal response and could help make changes to our proposals.”

For more information or to make a submission on the Major Amendment to the Planning Scheme, visit Council’s Engagement Website http://engage.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au.

Residents can contact Customer Service on 4932 9000 to find out more about how the proposed changes will affect their property.

Submissions were originally due by this Friday 17 May, however Council is currently reviewing the public consultation period of time to respond, with the option of extending the period to 31 May 2019. In the interim Council will accept late submissions.