A development application before Bathurst Regional Council calls for the demolition of a laundry and the construction of four two-bedroom transportable units on the site of one of Bathurst’s historic buildings at 10 Daly Street. 

The transportable units would be located on the site of The Grange, a large two-storey residential building built in 1874. 

The building is currently divided into 12 one-bedroom units and is used as a boarding house.

A discussion forum was held prior to last Wednesday’s policy meeting of Bathurst Regional Council. 

The property is currently leased by the area health service and used by medical professionals during their stays in Bathurst. 

The boarding house has operated on the site since 1951 when it received council approval to operate as a guest house. 

While the land is located within the Bathurst Heritage Conservation Area, the building is not listed as an individual heritage item. 

During the forum, Mitre Street resident Maureen Connolly said most people would be familiar with The Grange because it is a very old building.

“Everyone is concerned about having second- hand relocatable cottages there,” Ms Connolly said. “It would be like a trailer park in the middle of a very established, beautiful part of Bathurst.”

Robyn Wright spoke at the meeting as a representative of Greg Burke, the owner of the development. She said they had tried to address the concerns of neighbours and had come a long way since they began talks with council. 

Ms Wright added that they would now be using new transportable buildings. 

“It’s not a mobile park. We chose this design because it is transportable,” she said. “The buildings will be built onsite and we need to be able to get them out of there if someone comes along with the money to develop the property.”

Ken Birch, a resident of Mitre Street, told council he objects to the installation of manufactured homes on the site. 

“There is a tendency for temporary structures to become permanent,” he said.

Mitre Street resident Frank Visser said it surprised him that the developer had extensive discussions with council about establishing a trailer park.

“If we allow these units in Bathurst, anyone can put transportable homes in their backyards,” he said.

President of the local branch of the National Trust Iain McPherson said seeing a proposal for transportable buildings anywhere near a heritage area was a matter of concern for the Trust. 

“We know the issue of precedence does have an effect,” Mr McPherson said. “It will degrade the heritage value of this site.”

Sandy Bathgate of the Heritage Action Network said he was concerned the buildings could be sold off individually at a future date.

“What effect would that have in cementing them as a long-term part of a heritage area?” he asked.

The matter will come before the next meeting of council.