218 Clyde Street, Soldiers Hill VIC 3350

To anyone who cares about the authentics of an area then whatever is built on this site has to be sympathetic to the areas historical homes, which are charming and have lovely character.
If a modern, "contemporary" style dwelling is allowed to be built, it will RUIN the charming and valuable authentics of the street.

Please DO NOT ALLOW a modern or contemporary style dwelling to be built as tjis will be something very out of place to the street and will devalue this attractive tree lined street.
The modern design dwellings being built at the moment especially around Lake Wendouree has ruined the historic feel of that area so please don't allow this to happen.
To date, there are more charming period style homes of many eras in this street than there are newer styles and even these have a more sympathetic style that blends with the street such as the two dwellings at number 121 Clyde St.
Even though they are a more modern brick compared to the existing 1940s and 1950s houses in this street, these two town houses are of a style that is sympathetic to the existing buildings in the street.

This is clearly an estate home plonked on a piece of land with absolutely no regard for the Clyde Street streetscape and heritage context and character of Soldiers Hill. If this design is allowed, it will set precedence for future cheap cookie cutter estate new build developments which will destroy the heritage of Soldiers Hill.

Firstly, the planning application has made no effort to justify how their design meets requirements of the heritage overlay and design and development overlay. As per Design and Development Overlay Schedule 4, the development must ‘complement existing development forms and siting on the street block’. A major criteria which this development does not meet is that ‘front setbacks are to be consistent with the dominant front setback in the street block’. The set back of the garage at 218 Clyde Street (9.12m) is not in keeping with surrounding properties. The adjoining property of 220 Clyde Street’s garage is set back 12.56m (their original plans in their permit of an 8m setback was amended by Council to 12.56m to address heritage concerns).

Secondly, the application has many inconsistencies which need to be rectified. The application’s plans are misleading as they have completely omitted the adjoining property 220 Clyde Street’s garage (and subsequent setback) from the plans and incorrectly displayed 220 Clyde Street’s northern boundary as abutting Howard Street. The report outlines that a specimen tree ‘Crepe Mrytle’ will be planted in the front garden. There is no reference to this in the official plans. The plans also fail to represent the development at the rear of 220 Clyde Street, which includes a ‘studio’ and ‘garage’ which abuts the southern boundary of 218 Clyde Street. The plans fail to represent the 15.5m long brick boundary wall with an average height of 3m which will run the entirety of 218 Clyde Street’s backyard and alfresco area. The report and plans fail to consider integral guidelines for new buildings in an area with a heritage overlay. The plans fail to assess ‘the visibility of the development with the Heritage Place, and from viewing points 1.7m above natural ground level on the opposite footpath, from directly in front and from a position aligned with the boundary two allotments away on either side’.

Following demolition of the previous house, including removal of all trees and vegetation, it is unacceptable that an 'off the shelf' house design is planned on this block in a heritage precinct such as Soldiers Hill. Clyde Street heritage landscape is stealthily being eroded.
There are inconsistencies with the Application Plans. The 'off the shelf' design fails to adhere to the Design & Development Overlay Schedule 4, particularly with regard to the setback of the garage.
Guidelines for a new build in a heritage overlay have largely been ignored.
Suggest Council advises applicants building in heritage overlays and ensures there is compliance with heritage requirements.