WYNDHAM Council will investigate if the conditions of a demolition permit for Davis House are being adhered to after councillors raised concerns about how the historic building was being treated.
Cr Marcel Mahfoud put a notice of motion to last week’s council meeting, asking that a report on the permit be presented later this month.
Cr Mahfoud wants a list of any outstanding compliance issues and the status of plans to relocate the house.
His requests follow a protest two weeks ago outside the house by members of the Werribee Heritage Recovery Group. The group was worried that conditions attached to the permit, approved by the council last July, were not being met. It wants the council to revoke the permit and save the house.
Conditions include that the developer must maintain the structural integrity of the house for 12months and try to find somewhere to move the building to before July 25 this year.
Cr Mahfoud said he was troubled by the way in which Davis House was being cared for. “It is with great sadness that we are presently witnessing the deterioration of a site which is of great local significance.
“The council’s decision in July resulted in a loss to this community.”
Cr Bob Fairclough said he was concerned about the protection of the house after noticing a hole in its roof was left uncovered for a number of weeks. The hole has since been covered up by a tarpaulin.
Werribee Heritage Recovery Group members were at the council meeting and welcomed the support of councillors Mahfoud and Fairclough.
