Are Carlton’s significant heritage places protected?

Last year new gradings for heritage places were introduced (a “place” is a site or area).  

The old grading of A, B, C, D, etc., for heritage places has been replaced by simplified, and less subtle, gradings: “significant”, “contributory” and “non-contributory”.

Significant heritage places can be on standalone sites. Contributory heritage places are sites in a heritage precinct and their contribution is to the heritage values of the precinct.

Heritage precincts are defined in the Heritage Overlays of the Melbourne Planning Scheme (MPS). They can be small covering two or three sites or extensive covering several hectares. Heritage protection also includes heritage streetscapes, usually a strip of significant and/or contributory heritage places.

The MPS notes under demolition strategies for heritage places, that: “partial demolition in the case of significant buildings and of significant elements or the front or principal part of contributory buildings will not generally be permitted” (Cl15 .03-15).

The requirements for significant heritage places are not given sufficient weight by applicants and the City of Melbourne. Extensive demolition without justification by the applicants is common, and fronts or mere façades are all that remain. Rear sections, roofs and interiors and the building fabric are frequently demolished.

The former Carlton Inn.

Partial demolition is permitted for contributory heritage places, with the front sections of buildings along roads retained.

We now have numerous examples where only the façades or fronts of buildings are retained and a multi-storey addition built over heritage places, sometimes set back a few metres.

There are currently applications for planning permits in City North (Carlton west of Swanston St) that seek substantial demolition of heritage fabric and include a new multi-storey addition over the heritage place.

Is this what we expect from heritage conservation?

Heritage controls in the MPS are either insufficient or are not being enforced. In either case change is needed.

“Victorian Grandeur” Carlton Walk and Talk

You are invited to check out some of Carlton’s heritage places. Join Carlton-based historian and author Jeff Atkinson from 10am to 12 noon on Saturday, November 5.

Carlton Residents’ Association members – $15, non-member – $20. Book here 

This event is jointly organised by the Carlton Residents’ Association and the Carlton Community History Group. •