By NICOLE WILLIAMS and DANIELLE GALVIN
Residents hit back as century of history set to be razed…
A 100-YEAR-OLD Pakenham property might be bulldozed to make way for a medical and childcare centre.
Residents living near the 15 Pakenham Road site were devastated to find out the plans to demolish the old house.
One resident, who did not want her name used, spoke to the Gazette about the local history of the house and her concerns.
She said the 100-year-old garden and original farmhouse used to be home to a dairy farm.
“The notice went out the front and the decision will be made on 19 July – I don’t think that’s enough time to object,” the resident said.
“The trees on the property are old, too.”
Cardinia Shire Council’s Development Services manager Brett Jackson confirmed that the council had received the planning application for a medical and childcare centre.
“Council is publicly advertising the application to invite feedback from the community,” he said.
“Such applications must be advertised for a minimum of 14 days according to the Planning and Environment Act 1987, however council will still consider any feedback received after this period, until a decision is made.”
Two responses from community members on the planning application have been received to date.”
Mr Jackson said he was not aware of any historical significance of the property.
“At this time, the current dwelling has not been identified as a heritage place and is not protected by a heritage overlay,” he said.
But the resident, who lives nearby, said it would be a shame to lose the house.
“You can see the beauty and the age in it,” she said.
“The outside is very beautiful with big bay windows and old doors, it would be incredibly sad to see it go.
“It’s beautiful and it obviously meant a lot to a lot of people for a long time.”
