Minutes of the Bronte Beach Precinct Meeting
The meeting was held on 13 February, 2008 at the Lugar Brae Church Hall at 7.45pm.
Convenors: Mrs Virginia Milson, Mr Norman Brown.
Apologies: Erica Rink
Councillors in attendance: None
Council officers in attendance: Kerry Goodyear.
Residents in attendance: 25
1.The Convenor asked the residents as to how many had received the Council flyer advertising the Meeting. None had and those in attendance had received flyers from us or a telephone call.
2. Confirmation of Minutes of previous Meeting held on 10 October, 2007.
No action, as Minutes had not been distributed.
3. Mrs Milson spoke about proposals to change the State Planning Laws, and the impact on residents. Developments under $1million dollars which is the majority as most applicants understate the cost of their construction would not have neighbour notification. Hence many would be unaware of building applications next door or nearby. Residents were encouraged to write and oppose these new laws.
4. Guest Speaker – Mr Ian Stutchbury, Member of the Heritage Committee of Royal Institute of Architects.
Mr Stutchbury spoke of the influence of overseas architecture which had been brought into this country after 1915, with particular emphasis on the Californian bungalow style house so much in evidence in Bronte. Their pitched roofs, overhanging eaves, and shady verandas were a style which suited the climate here, and they were very popular, eventually becoming the standard house of the time.
Unfortunately, most of them did not have driveways, and this became a problem in later years when owners attempted to put garages next to the house. These were often not in keeping with the architecture of the house itself .He stressed the importance of any additions being sympathetic to the house.
The 1930 's saw the introduction of Mediterranean type houses, and a Georgian revival. All these homes are part of our heritage, and it is important to keep them for future generations . Heritage itself was a relatively new thought in Australia, but is now gathering momentum.
It is important for owners of homes which had been designated as heritage homes to understand that owning such a house was not necessarily an imposition, but could also be an opportunity .He also stated that real estate agents had noted that heritage streetscapes were an advantage with prospective buyers asking specifically for houses in the heritage listed streets.
Mrs Milson thanked him for an interesting address.
5. Development Applications:
(a) 31 Yanko Ave. The new owner had submitted an Application to demolish the house, and build considerably forward of the building line. This would impact on the streetscape and adjoining house. The Council had refused the application, and the matter was now going to the Land and Environment Court.
(b) 13 St Thomas. This is a Californian bungalow which the owner wishes to demolish, and build a duplex, with a double garage through the sandstone wall. The wall supports the footpath on St. Thomas St. and remains intact to date. The Precinct had lodged an objection.
(c) 502 Bronte Road. The owner had submitted another S96 to obtain two more rooms in the basement and alter the roof area. An objection had been lodged as the house was already oversized and the work on the roof (which would afford rooftop entertaining) had already been completed contrary to the original DA.
6.Future Guest Speakers:
Mrs Milson asked the residents if they wished to have Guest Speakers attending future meetings. They appeared to be in favour of this continuing.
The meeting closed at 9.15 pm