State Planning Body Overrules City Council to Approve Demolition of Heritage Home
The Western Australian Planning Commission has made a decisive ruling, approving the demolition of a more than century-old heritage-listed home in Mt Lawley. This decision paves the way for a significant social housing development specifically designed for residents aged over 55. The approval was granted during the commission's meeting on March 18, directly opposing the formal recommendation for refusal from the City of Vincent.
Historic Property in Severe Disrepair
The property at 40 Guildford Road currently features a single-storey Federation Arts and Crafts dwelling, constructed around 1905. Developers have described the structure as being in very poor condition, both externally and internally. The home is reportedly in a severe state of disrepair, with collapsing walls and extensive graffiti covering both the interior and exterior surfaces.
Originally built in 1904, the house was once hidden behind a large brick wall that has since been removed. The site was added to the City of Vincent's municipal heritage inventory in 2008 and holds a category 3 local heritage listing. The city had previously accused the State government, which owns the property, of practicing demolition by neglect and issued a heritage conservation notice in an attempt to force necessary repairs.
Controversial Path to Development Approval
The City of Vincent had refused a request from the State Administrative Tribunal to reconsider its rejection of the demolition plans. When the proposal was released for public comment in October of the previous year, the city received 40 submissions. Of these, 27 were objections, only three expressed support, and ten provided general comments without taking a definitive stance.
Key concerns raised by community members included:
- Traffic and pedestrian safety issues
- Potential parking shortfalls
- Impacts on local built form and character
- The loss of heritage value from demolishing the historic home
Despite these objections, a transport impact statement concluded the development would generate minimal additional traffic, with only an estimated 22 extra trips during the morning peak and 18 during the afternoon peak.
Heritage Elements Preserved in New Design
The approved development application includes plans to repurpose materials from the heritage building into a communal heritage garden. Elements such as original bricks and chimneys will be incorporated into this garden space, providing a tangible connection to the site's history even as the original structure is removed.
The 90-dwelling social housing project represents a significant affordable housing initiative for senior residents. The site is strategically located approximately 2.5 kilometers north-east of Perth's central business district, within 350 meters of Mt Lawley train station to the north and 600 meters of East Perth train station to the south.
Historical Context of the Site
In 2009, the City of Vincent approved the demolition of properties surrounding this heritage site, including a corner shop and eight single-house dwellings, to accommodate road widening projects. However, the heritage-listed home at 40 Guildford Road was specifically excluded from that earlier approval due to its protected status.
The state's decision to proceed with demolition despite local heritage concerns highlights the ongoing tension between preserving historical structures and addressing pressing social housing needs in growing urban areas.
