Recently, we discovered a flaw in the notification process for Development Applications (“DAs”) in heritage conservation areas.
Apparently, 200 notifications were sent out about the 40 Abbotsford Road Homebush DA. However, some properties received four (4) notifications and others in the street received none.
HRG calls on the Council to notify every property of a DA in a conservation area. Why?
The majority view is that we need to maintain conservation zones and protect heritage items. There are financial costs in owning a property in a conservation area (less development opportunities, higher costs of maintenance and less energy-efficient living), but the benefits of the nicer aesthetic environment can make it a worthwhile tradeoff.
All the residents share the benefits and costs of the heritage conservation zoning, so each time an owner wants to submit a DA, the rest of the community is affected and needs the opportunity to comment,
The only caveat is where the work is de minimus or needs to reduce a risk to human life or property. In those cases, DAs should not be necessary and Council has the authority to take the necessary action.