Request lodged to review Huckleberry Finn's refusal
A request has been submitted for Central Coast Council to review its refusal of the proposed demolition of the building known as "Huckleberry Finn's" located at 24-28 The Boulevarde, Woy Woy.
Six detailed reasons were given for refusal by the council, five of them stating that "insufficient information" had been provided for such things as an "assessment of the structural condition of the building", "the cost of retention and bringing the structure into compliance with the Building Code" and that due consideration had not been given to the "heritage significance" of this building.
The sixth reason for refusal stated that "the proposed development is considered unsatisfactory with regards to impacts on the existing and future intended built environment, vision and historical significance and setting of the Woy Woy Town Centre as required by the CCDCP 2022."
The Review Request, prepared by Wales and Associates, attempts to refute all the reasons for refusal either by providing the "missing information" or by attempting to prove that the council's reasoning was at fault.
It refers to a structural engineers report and photos and a heritage impact statement prepared by heritage consultant Mr John Carr.
The heritage report delves into the history of Woy Woy from the earliest days of European settlement, noting that it was originally known as Webb's Flat, named for James Webb, the first European settler of the Brisbane Water region in 1823, and was first explored by a party led by Governor Arthur Phillip in 1789.
The document attempts to delineate this building's origins, role and significance in the development of Woy Woy.
It is illustrated with several old photos.
The report summarises its conclusions: "Examination of the indicators of heritage significance demonstrate that 24-28 The Boulevarde has some cultural significance, but this significance is limited and it fails to meet the benchmark for cultural significance where its listing as a heritage item would be warranted."
The structural engineers report, perhaps predictably, lists a number of issues caused by age and lack of maintenance.
It concludes that the building is at "the end of its serviceable and functional life" with "a high degree of structure and elements past serviceable repair and not considered practicably salvageable".
The request states that the submission and attached reports address the reasons for refusal and should result in the Council's approval of the application under Clause 8.2 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act."
The application is currently on public exhibition and open for written submissions until January 13.
One submission has already been lodged stating: "This beautiful bit of old Woy Woy history should not be demolished.
"It's not acceptable for owners to leave buildings neglected for decades without proper maintenance and attention.
"This should not be used as an excuse to demolish.
"Owners must be held accountable for neglecting this building and must repair it."
SOURCE:
DA Tracker, 8 Dec 2024
DAR/126/2024, Central Coast Council