A report to Wednesday night’s meeting of Bathurst Regional Council says the original home at 142 Howick Street was likely built in the 1880s but alterations over the years have eroded its heritage value.

The home’s second owner, Francis “Frank” Halliday, was mayor of Bathurst in 1878 and held the position again from 1882-1884.

Halliday also played a prominent part in founding Bathurst’s National Advocate newspaper and became chairman of the board.

But the home that now stands on the lot opposite Bathurst Sportsground bears little resemblance to the original two-room building.

“The dwelling house was likely constructed late 1880s,” acting environmental planning and building services director Janet Bingham states in her report to council.

“The original house, however, has been substantially altered such that its exterior is now reflective of 1950-1960s architecture. The site was known to contain sheds for electro-plating and horse agistment.”

The development application before council proposes demolishing the existing home to build two two-bedroom units and four three-bedroom units on the 2000 square metre block.

Ms Bingham said the proposed units were suitable for the area.

“The proposed replacement dwelling contributes well to the streetscape and reflects the scale and character of dwellings immediately adjacent,” the report states.

A submission to council by the National Trust does not oppose knocking down the existing home.