Comments made here were sent to North Sydney Council. Add your own comment.
The application to demolish a conservation item should not proceed. The Council have carefully marked out houses that represent the history of the neighbourhood. If the demolition is approved, I will apply to have my house demolished as well so I can accomodate a more modern house and parking at 5 Bank St North Sydney
It is a conservation area and as such demolition seems a step too far.
IF, and ONLY IF, a specialist conservation architect and certified heritage builder can attest that the current house cannot be saved and is therefore uninhabitable, then an alternative is to rebuild in the EXACTLY same style and with the SAME materials to protect the heritage nature of the vicinity.
We pass by 1 Bank Lane often and frankly it has been a dump for years. As locals we are delighted to see a family willing to make it a home. I would be very keen to see the approved structure at 1 Bank Lane in line with the principles in the Burra Charter. The Charter does not prohibit removal of non-listed items though it is important the proposed structure is in line with, or enhance, the heritage character of the Union/Thomas St conservation area. In addition to conservation considerations. I also highly recommend council to consider sustainability principles, e.g. energy efficiency. We are big supporters of the sustainability initiatives by North Sydney Council and would love to see something big and permanent like a build/reno included as part of the sustainability drive.
