The Executive Director, Heritage Victoria, Ray Tonkin has issued
a permit for the subdivision of land at the former Beechworth
Prison, on the condition that the applicant undertake
significant conservation works there.
The permit applies to the proposed subdivision of land only. It
does not relate to any future development or building on the
land, except for access roadways and some fences to screen any
new residential lots along Sydney Road.
As the former prison and
surrounding land is on the Victorian Heritage Register, any
changes to the place require a heritage permit from the
Executive Director.
Mr Tonkin said the approved subdivision would have minimal
negative impact on the site’s cultural heritage, as the works
related to vacant land outside the prison walls.
``The permit conditions will allow the appropriate re-use of
Beechworth Prison to proceed to the next step while protecting
its heritage values,’’ Mr Tonkin said.
``In fact, this permit has the potential to enhance the heritage
value of the prison, as I am requiring the applicant to
undertake significant conservation works, as well as ongoing
maintenance and heritage inspections,’’ he said.
The approved subdivision includes 18 residential allotments on
vacant land outside the prison walls and three dwellings within
the former senior warders’ quarters.
The permit does not relate to the subdivision of land or
buildings within the prison walls or the quarry site. A separate
heritage permit would be required for this.
The permit also imposes development design guidelines on the 18
residential allotments, to ensure that development plans are
consistent with the historic setting.
``This permit does not relate
to new building construction. Any building or further
development at the site would require a separate heritage
permit,’’ Mr Tonkin said.
``It is important to note that before this subdivision can
proceed, the applicant must obtain a planning permit from the
responsible authority, the Indigo Shire Council.’’
Mr Tonkin said Indigo Shire Council had the authority to
consider issues such as amenity, parking, density and noise when
assessing planning permit applications.
``I have the authority to consider how the proposal will affect
the site’s cultural heritage. Other planning issues are a matter
for the local council,’’ he said.
Mr Tonkin said the permit
conditions ensured the conservation works were legally
enforceable.
Before the proposed
subdivision can begin, the applicant must lodge an unconditional
$300,000 bank guarantee with the Executive Director.
``The bank guarantee will be
forfeited if the required conservation works are not completed
to my satisfaction within two years of the permit date,’’ Mr
Tonkin said.
The conservation program
includes roofing and stonework repairs, the removal of
vegetation from walls, the replacement of damaged or faulty
infrastructure and the ongoing maintenance of vegetation and
landscaping features.
BACKGROUND FOR MEDIA:
·
As part of the permit conditions, the applicant is
required to appoint an approved archaeologist before starting
any excavation works. If the works reveal any item of historical
cultural significance, any works that may affect the item must
cease immediately and Heritage Victoria must be notified.
·
The applicant must advise the Executive Director
of any changes to the approved subdivision as a result of
requirements of the Indigo Shire Council or any other reason. If
the revised plan is found to be materially different, a new
heritage permit would be required.
·
If the applicant is dissatisfied with the permit
conditions, it may appeal to the Heritage Council of Victoria,
an independent statutory authority.
·
The permit application was advertised in the
public notices sections of the Ovens and Murray Advertiser
and the Border Mail newspapers on Wednesday, 17 January,
2007. Three public notice signs were also installed on the
prison grounds perimeter on 17 January and displayed for a
minimum of 14 days.
·
Heritage Victoria received 28 submissions in
response to the application, including 22 opposing submissions
and six supporting submissions.
·
The Victorian Heritage Register is established
under the Victorian Heritage Act 1995 and provides the
highest level of protection for heritage places and objects in
Victoria.
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