Hurst Street, Goulburn house plan prompts public submission

Fine examples spanning different eras could be seen within a short distance in the CBD and that uniqueness spilled into residential areas.

But now the independent design consultant fears the proposed demolition of a home in Hurst Street will set "a dangerous precedent" and destroy the area's appearance.

"Hurst Street is part of the Goulburn conservation area, and is renowned for its leafy streetscape, large gardens (relative to building size), its Federation and Edwardian dwellings, and the quirkiness of its inhabitants," he said.

"These combine to create the charm that is enjoyed not only by residents, but by the broader community and visitors to the city. It is a street to which I return on each visit back home; it embodies the charm of my hometown."

READ MORE: Goulburn's Hurst Street heritage 'under threat' from proposal

Mr Divall has recently returned from Scotland. There he has advised on displays and architectural components of the famous Burrell Art Collection. He has also devised and commissioned new interior schemes for the Smoking Room at Bowhill House, while working closely with the Duke of Buccleuch in the Scottish borders.

During his time overseas, Mr Divall has also worked on architectural and interior projects in Ireland, Scotland and Los Angeles.

"I am always keen to ensure that clients feel empowered to transform spaces appropriate to the way in which people live today, but always in ways that are sympathetic to their heritage," he said.

The son of former Fibre Design owner and local artist, Carol Divall, said he was gravely concerned about the proposed demolition of 22 Hurst Street. The original section of the house was built in the late 1880s and added to in stages.

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The application before Goulburn Mulwaree Council, proposes its replacement with an almost eight-metre double-storey American Georgian home with seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms and underground garage.

Residents in the area have rallied against the plan and prepared submissions objecting to its scale, appropriateness, heritage impact and potential overshadowing. They're also worried that excavation for the four-vehicle garage will cause cracking in adjoining historic homes.

Mr Divall is adding to the chorus. Though his family aren't Hurst Street residents, he says the proposal has wider impacts for Goulburn.

"It's in a prime position on top of the hill and has a low elegant design," he said.

"But if you build a two-storey home that takes up almost 50 per cent of the block, it will completely dominate. There is no need to do it there."

Mr Divall feared that planned pile driving to create the underground garage would also cause cracks in surrounding homes like the adjoining 1911 residence Shanklin.

His submission also objects to:

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Mr Divall said he was most concerned about the proposed neo-Georgian facade which he described as "completely out of character" with the street's architecture.

"Indeed the house that is proposed for demolition features broad verandas, leadlight windows, and is of a low, elegant style typical of the late Federation or early Edwardian period," he wrote.

"The new plan includes the use of Venetian-style windows, and what looks to be protruding stone treatments to the quoins of the building - in what can only be described as a neo-Georgian pastiche. Most other houses on this street are constructed from humble brick materials, with some wooden clad components."

Mr Divall said he couldn't understand why the house was purchased (for $960,000 earlier this year) "if not for its inherent heritage value." He argued that living in such a historic street carried responsibility.

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"There is plenty of new development land in Goulburn, so why destroy a heritage building when not 10 minutes' drive away is ample (space) in new suburbs available, ripe for the construction of the type of building proposed here," he wrote in his submission.

"...Buildings such as this simply cannot be replaced - once destroyed they are lost forever, and with them goes part of what makes Goulburn unique and desirable."

However the owner previously told The Post he was drawn to the area's amenity and believed the new home's design was sympathetic to the area. He said a great deal of thought had been put into the design (by Felton Constructions) and the accompanying landscaping, which was "extensive."

The consultant architect has also claimed other homes in the area were of similar height to that proposed.

The development application is on public exhibition until November 16.

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