Minutes of the Bronte Beach Precinct Meeting
The meeting was held on 13 February, 2008 at the Lugar Brae Church Hall at
7.45pm.
Convenors:
Apologies:
Councillors in attendance:
Council officers in attendance:
Residents in attendance:
Mrs Virginia Milson, Mr Norman Brown.
Erica Rink
None
Kerry Goodyear.
25
1.
The Convenor asked the residents as to how many had received the Council flyer
advertising the Meeting. None had and those in attendance had received flyers
from us or a telephone call.
2.
Confirmation of Minutes of previous Meeting held on 10 October, 2007.
No action, as Minutes had not been distributed.
3.
Mrs Milson spoke about proposals to change the State Planning Laws, and the
impact on residents. Developments under $1million dollars which is the majority as
most applicants understate the cost of their construction would not have neighbour
notification. Hence many would be unaware of building applications next door or
nearby. Residents were encouraged to write and oppose these new laws.
4.
Guest Speaker – Mr Ian Stutchbury, Member of the Heritage Committee of Royal
Institute of Architects.
Mr Stutchbury spoke of the influence of overseas architecture which had been
brought into this country after 1915, with particular emphasis on the Californian
bungalow style house so much in evidence in Bronte. Their pitched roofs,
overhanging eaves, and shady verandas were a style which suited the climate here,
and they were very popular, eventually becoming the standard house of the time.
Unfortunately, most of them did not have driveways, and this became a problem in
later years when owners attempted to put garages next to the house. These were
often not in keeping with the architecture of the house itself .He stressed the
importance of any additions being sympathetic to the house.
The 1930 's saw the introduction of Mediterranean type houses, and a Georgian
revival. All these homes are part of our heritage, and it is important to keep them for
future generations . Heritage itself was a relatively new thought in Australia, but is
now gathering momentum.
It is important for owners of homes which had been designated as heritage homes
to understand that owning such a house was not necessarily an imposition, but
could also be an opportunity .He also stated that real estate agents had noted that
heritage streetscapes were an advantage with prospective buyers asking
specifically for houses in the heritage listed streets.
Mrs Milson thanked him for an interesting address.
5.
Development Applications:
(a)
31 Yanko Ave. The new owner had submitted an Application to demolish the house,
and build considerably forward of the building line. This would impact on the
streetscape and adjoining house. The Council had refused the application, and the
matter was now going to the Land and Environment Court.
(b)
13 St Thomas. This is a Californian bungalow which the owner wishes to demolish,
and build a duplex, with a double garage through the sandstone wall. The wall
supports the footpath on St. Thomas St. and remains intact to date. The Precinct
had lodged an objection.
(c)
502 Bronte Road. The owner had submitted another S96 to obtain two more rooms
in the basement and alter the roof area. An objection had been lodged as the
house was already oversized and the work on the roof (which would afford rooftop
entertaining) had already been completed contrary to the original DA.
6.
Future Guest Speakers:
Mrs Milson asked the residents if they wished to have Guest Speakers attending
future meetings. They appeared to be in favour of this continuing.
The meeting closed at 9.15 pm