Doveton residents fear that a proposed heritage overlay will devalue their homes and turn some of their suburb’s streets into isolated ghettos. Resident Ann Beauchamp, left, is pictured with Jodie McNamara and children Jordan and Joshua. Picture: Stewart Chambers.By Rebecca Fraser
ANGRY residents fear some of Doveton’s streets could be turned into ghettos if City of Casey Council introduces a controversial regulation.
The proposed heritage overlay would reduce the capacity of residents and property owners to make changes to their homes that are visible from the street.
The regulation would cover 52 ex-Housing Commission homes and more than 100 other Doveton properties.
If the proposal is passed by council, home-owners would need to seek council approval to paint, remove old chimneys, erect fences or carry out other home improvements.
Acting manager strategic development at Casey council Kim McFarland said the heritage overlay would help preserve part of Doveton’s history.
But the move has outraged residents who claim the overlay would devalue their homes and create a sharp class divide between residents who can rebuild or renovate their homes and those who can not.
A submission was sent to council on Monday containing six letters of objection and a petition with more than 200 signatures condemning the move.
Doveton resident Julie Fairweather bought her ex-Housing Commission home 17 years ago and said she was not at all impressed with council’s proposal.
“I bought here because it was what I could afford as a single mother with a two year old.
“Now I have a bit more money I am wanting to do some things to my home but I can’t.
“I wanted to fill in one window to install built in robes but they told me I need to install a shutter instead and keep it shut all the time. And I have posts in to build a site gate but have to wait for a permit.
“These houses were temporarily built and are hard to maintain and the overlay will segregate the residents of Doveton and create a small ghetto.
“On the one side there will be new modern homes and units and on the other side there will be us,” she said.
Ann Beauchamp agreed and said the overlay infringed on civil liberties.
“It is an Australian right to live in your home and add value to it and change it within reason to make more money on your investment.
“Doveton is really trying to improve itself and this will lead to the development of an isolated pocket who cannot develop and change.
“It removes freedom of choice — I wanted to paint and put up a picket fence and a shade cloth for my car and I can’t even knock my chimney down even though I do not use it,” she said.
Another resident Anne Clifford said the proposal would have horrible effects on the people of Doveton.
“I moved here because I did not want a huge mortgage hanging over my head.
“My next project was to put sun blinds up to keep the heat out but I will have to apply to council for that.
“What do I have to do — say please sir may I for every little thing I want to do to my home?
“There will be all these nice homes and us living in hovels.
“It will create a divide and make the area very slummy,” she said.
A spokesperson for the Department of Human Services Brendan Ryan said the office of housing would not support a blanket heritage overlay policy for office of housing homes.
Mr McFarland said residents had been invited to present submissons to Casey council regarding the proposed heritage overlay up until Tuesday 12 December.
He said council had held community consultations in November with home owners and a report would be put to council next year and a decision would be made.
Mr McFarland said each home would be assessed on an individual basis so he could not confirm what type of renovations would require a planning application or be restricted.
