Bellair St heritage extension set for approval despite 22 objections

A modest proposal to partially demolish and extend a heritage-listed cottage in Bellair St, Kensington, is expected to receive council approval, despite drawing 22 objections from nearby residents.

The application for 118 Bellair St went before the City of Melbourne’s Future Melbourne Committee on February 17, with officers recommending that councillors issue a planning permit.

The proposal seeks approval for partial demolition of the rear of the existing single-storey Victorian dwelling and construction of a two-storey addition, along with reconstruction of the front fence and external painting of the home.

The property sits within a neighbourhood residential zone and is covered by a heritage overlay as part of the Kensington Precinct. The dwelling is graded as “contributory” to the heritage character of the area.

According to the officer report, the key issues for consideration include heritage impacts, residential amenity and compliance with Clause 54 (one dwelling on a lot) of the Melbourne Planning Scheme.

Public notice of the application resulted in 22 objections. Concerns raised by residents include the visual bulk and prominence of the two-storey addition, overshadowing of neighbouring private open space, overlooking and loss of daylight, and whether the contemporary design is in keeping with the heritage character of Bellair St.

The application was amended several times during the assessment process in response to objector concerns, including a reduction in maximum building height, removal of a double-storey rear garage, and design refinements to address amenity impacts.

In their assessment, officers concluded the proposal retained the principal part of the Victorian-era dwelling, with demolition set back beyond the front two rooms. The addition is positioned behind the heritage façade and is designed to remain visually recessive from the street.

While some Clause 54 standards require variation, officers state these departures are appropriate in the context of the established streetscape and will not result in unreasonable off-site amenity impacts.

Given the number of objections, the application must be determined by councillors rather than under delegation.

If approved, objectors will have the opportunity to seek a review at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal before a permit can be issued.

Although modest in scale compared to many inner-city developments, the proposal has reignited ongoing tensions in Kensington about balancing contemporary housing needs with the preservation of neighbourhood character. •