Farams

28 January 2011

The recent demolition of all but the verandah and front wall of the former Faram’s Hardware has prompted interest in the planning history of the site.

In June 2008, Council refused a permit for a number of reasons, including that ‘the proposal would demolish too much of the existing heritage buiding which would detract from the originality and heritage values of the existing buildings’ and that ‘the proposed alterations and additions to the street facade of the existing building and at the upper levels would detract from the originality and heritage values of the existing buildings.’

The applicant took the matter to VCAT. In May 2009, VCAT approved the amended plans that were put forward at the hearing.

Here are some relevant extracts from the Tribunal’s decision:

“11. Although the Heritage Overlay … constrains development, the existence of the overlay does not prevent redevelopment of the land. It does mean that any redevelopment of the site needs to occur in a way that is respectful of the character of the building and the heritage setting.

12. The front facade and verandah of the existing shop premises are the key elements of the heritage fabric and these are to be retained in the proposed development.”

Read the VCAT decision in full