A DILAPIDATED Rocket Street cottage built in the late 1800s is set to be demolished to make way for a new home.
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Bathurst Regional Council staff have recommended the applicant be allowed to go ahead with the demolition with the matter to be considered at tonight’s monthly meeting.
A report to councillors by environmental planning and building services director David Shaw notes that council previously approved the partial demolition of the cottage at 72 Rocket Street, along with a number of outbuildings.
When the DA previously came before council, the applicant sought to retain the front four rooms that were considered to be oldest parts of the cottage.
Mr Shaw’s report says it is believed the original cottage was built between 1860 and 1880 with later additions to the rear.
“The previous consent has been partially enacted with the demolition of the rear of the building occurring, but work has since ceased pending determination of this application,” the report states.
“Further investigation of the remaining structure by Barnson Pty Ltd during works identified that the remaining front elements of the building are structurally inadequate and have recommended that the whole of the front of the building will need to be re-built.
“As such the demolition and re-building of the dwelling is the subject of this application.”
Mr Shaw’s report says the cottage stands within the Bathurst Heritage Conservation Area and “the size and style of the building shows that it is typical of dwellings in the mid- Victorian period of Bathurst”.
“The property has undergone significant changes to the original fabric of the cottage including painting of the face brick work and additions at the rear,” the report states.
“It has not been well maintained over a long period of time and is subsequently suffering significant structural damage.”
Council officers and heritage advisers have inspected the property and confirmed the original cottage could not be retained without complete reconstruction of the dwelling.
The applicant proposed to re-build the cottage to reflect the fabric and character of the existing dwelling and Mr Shaw’s report states the proposal would be a positive outcome for the site.
