This amendment for interim controls was lodged in response to two applications to demolish the building at 21 Dorcas Street, South Melbourne, were received by Council pursuant to Section 29A of the Building Act 1993 on 3 July 2023 and 8 August 2023. Since no Heritage Overlay applies to the land, a planning permit for demolition was not required.
Given the identified heritage significance of the house at 21 Dorcas Street, South Melbourne, and the immediate demolition threat, on 24 July 2023 Council officers, under delegation, requested that the Minister for Planning apply an interim heritage overlay using their powers under 20(4) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987. The Minister is yet to make a decision on the request.
An interim heritage overlay may be requested while the process to apply the heritage overlay on a permanent basis (via a planning scheme amendment) is underway. Lodging the request for an interim allowed Council officers to put a stay on the demolition requests until a decision has been made by the Minister for Planning.
An interim Heritage Overlay does not prevent demolition, but it triggers the need for a planning permit application for demolition or any works that change the appearance of the heritage place to ensure that heritage matters are considered.