Heritage nod for historic fence gains committee support

Representations made against the removal at the time suggested it should be kept for its historic value and contribution to the streetscape.

That application also sought to demolish the existing property at 14-16 St Georges Square and build a new six-bedroom home. Concerns were also raised about the development's potential impact on two National Trust-listed redwood trees on a neighbouring property.

The City of Launceston's heritage advisory committee agreed to support council officers in their work to nominate the structure for protection at its July 4 meeting, according to a report prepared by a council heritage planner included in the agenda for Thursday's ordinary council meeting.

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Due to significance in both its association with neighbouring state heritage-listed property Torkington and contribution to the square's streetscape, short term protection could be provided under the Scenic Management Code, the planner wrote.

However with changes coming under the new Tasmanian Planning Scheme, the structure would require listing as Local Heritage Place to ensure it remained protected.

The planner continued to note discussion had resulted in the committee supporting council officers in "progressing a nomination for listing the brick fence structure as part of the Local Provisions Schedule in the new planning scheme".

A new development application advertised late last month is now seeking only to demolish the existing property, enabling that work to commence, while revisions to the original planning applications are carried out.

The owner has also sought specialist tree advice and is working towards a plan to protect the 120-year-old redwoods.

Documents provided with the original application described the fence as being in poor condition despite several attempts being made to maintain it, with the costs of continued maintenance "not considered sustainable".

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