Extensions approved for heritage property in Strathdale

BENDIGO city councillors have approved extensions and alterations to a heritage-listed property at Strathdale.

At their final meeting before this month’s local government elections bring in a new council, they endorsed extensions to the mud brick house known as Nanga Gnulle that will include an entry and dining room, a courtyard and pool, three bedrooms (each with an ensuite), an open kitchen and living area, a family room and laundry, a new double garage and a rooftop garden.

The property, in Highbury Court, was formerly a wedding and function centre but was subdivided to allow residential development – a process that attracted community objections at the time.

The application approved on Monday night also attracted five objections, none of which were from people living near the site. They generally complained about heritage and vegetation considerations.

Architect Alistair Knox designed the house in the 1970s, but it has been boarded up recently after vandalism attacks. The property is covered by a heritage overlay because of its significance.

Councillors Jennifer Alden and David Fagg spoke in favour of endorsing the application, with the recommended approval carried unanimously.

But the permit will not allow for any alteration of approved layout plans, and proposed minor demolition works must be performed to minimise effects on the area’s amenity.

The City will also demand that a landscape plan be submitted and approved, while vegetation removal must be to its satisfaction.

In terms of heritage, an archival record of the buildings must be prepared and submitted, and a qualified and experienced heritage consultant must be appointed to advise on the conservation and reconstruction works.

Before the vote, Cr Alden said many Bendigo people would know of Nanga Gnulle as an example of the self-building sub-culture that became popular in the 1970s.

She said it used many materials salvaged from structures demolished around the city in the early 1970s, including bricks, stone and timber – an Axedale railway bridge from 1887 and convict bricks from the 1840s.

Cr Alden, who moved the approval, said the property was granted heritage protection during the previous council’s term.

Cr Fagg seconded the motion and said the issue was whether the proposed alterations would honour and protect the significance of the house.

“In my view they do, and therefore I support this application,” he said.

Cr Fagg also said he was pleased that an archive must be recorded and a conservation methodology be prepared before any works begin.