In 2019, Bathurst Regional Council resolved to prepare the planning proposal to implement the recommendations of the of Heritage Conservation Area Review 2018.

The planning proposal was put on public exhibition between August 16 and September 13 of this year.

One of the items in the planning proposal was to list certain properties as heritage items on the Bathurst Regional Local Environmental Plan, including the old gasworks site in Russell Street.

The site was proposed to be listed as state significant, but Heritage NSW suggested that it be listed as an item of local significance.

According to a report from council's director of planning, Neil Southorn, the listing was of concern to Crown Lands.

Crown Lands acknowledged the sites heritage significance, but noted concerns that listing might impact on investigations or remediation works required to manage land contamination, or works to manage risk to public safety.

Jemena, which leases the site, did not respond to council's correspondence notifying it of the planning proposal.

Councillors have also expressed concern about the listing.

READ ALSO: Bathurst Gasworks should be demolished, Bobby Bourke says

Mr Southorn's report explained what impact the listing could have in future.

"Heritage listing of the property will not necessarily prevent remediation works from being undertaken at the former gasworks site. Rather the listing would require an application for remediation works to consider heritage impact and how heritage impact can be minimised," he said.

"Additionally, any demolition works now or after heritage listing would require approval which, after listing, would require heritage impact to be a consideration but that would not necessarily prevent demolition or removal of fabric from occurring depending upon how heritage impact might be mitigated."

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