The future of a cottage is uncertain as Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council reconsiders a proposal for its demolition. Photo: Google Maps/Screenshot.
A regional council is expected to re-vote on a proposed development after concerns were raised there were procedural issues with its decision.
A new medical centre has been proposed for 24 Gibraltar Street in Bungendore, with councillors discussing the proposal at a meeting in late June.
The development application (DA) was lodged with Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) and proposes demolishing a historic single-storey Edwardian cottage and its outbuildings for the project.
At the meeting, councillors voted to give conditional consent, after discussing competing motions for and against its approval.
Despite the outcome, the DA is set to come back before councillors in an extraordinary meeting tonight (2 July).
According to the meeting minutes, this is to “ensure procedural clarity and transparency” after it was flagged that a “foreshadowed motion considered by council may not have been dealt with in accordance with the QPRC Code of Meeting Practice and relevant provisions of the Local Government Act.”
According to council documents, the development would cost an estimated $1,320,980.
Council documents also state that more than 20 submissions were made to QPRC during community consultation, with several arguing that the cottage shouldn’t be demolished because of its heritage value.
These concerns were echoed by the Bungendore Residents Group, which was campaigning against the proposal and repeatedly called on councillors to reject the DA.
They argued the cottage’s heritage value meant it should be retained, that the DA wouldn’t suit Bungendore’s unique identity.
“This building falls within Bungendore’s historic precinct and must be preserved,” a spokesperson said before the meeting.
“The building can certainly be repurposed and extended to suit, but it is integral to what makes Bungendore unique.”
However, council documents note the site is not heritage-listed and is not located in a Heritage Conservation Area.
“Considering the nearest heritage listed item is more than 60 m on either side of Gibraltar Street, the proposal is unlikely to result in any adverse heritage impacts on the streetscape as the distance is likely to serve as a buffer between the proposed development and any heritage items in the vicinity,” the agenda states.
The submissions also queried whether the centre would suit the area’s character and if there would be enough parking nearby.
If approved, the medical centre would have six consulting rooms, reception and waiting areas, a treatment room and toilet facilities.
It would be open between 8 am and 6 pm Monday to Friday.
The DA also proposes a second tenant – which would host “ancillary retail purposes” – and various landscaping and earthworks (including the removal of about 20 trees and shrubs) at the site.
The extraordinary meeting will be held on Wednesday (2 July) from 5:30 pm. The meeting agenda is available on QPRC’s website.
