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The NSW Department of Planning supports the plan, despite objections from locals and some reservations from the council that it could have an “unreasonable and adverse impact on several significant heritage elements”.
The department referred the “state significant” development to the Independent Planning Commission this month because it received more than 50 submissions against the proposal.
Mount Errington is considered an “outstanding example” of the arts and crafts Federation style of architecture, according to the council’s local heritage listing. It is also listed as an item of significance on the National Trust Register (NSW).
Under the proposal, the home’s largely intact interiors would be modified to incorporate three pre-school rooms and five general learning areas. The plans also include a 12-space car park and a kiss-and-drop bay on the grounds.
The Hornsby Conservation Society said the plan was “totally inappropriate” for the property, which it wants preserved in its entirety.
“This … is seen as a thin edge of the wedge for future proponents to modify this lovely heritage home, which is seen as one of the most beautiful within this shire, and situated within a high heritage conservation area.”
The society said in a submission to the department that some of the mature trees in the property’s heritage gardens were more than 100 years old. They include a large Bunya pine that was planted around 1900.
Hornsby Shire Council said the use of the property for a school “has the potential to be a positive solution to ensure the long-term conservation of the heritage-listed site”.
“However, the proposal in its current form would result in an unreasonable and adverse impact on several significant heritage elements.”
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The council objected to plans to chop down about 40 trees and said changes to the balcony would have an “irreversible detrimental effect on the integrity” of the facade.
Best Practice Education Group bought the site in 2019 with a view to turn it into a school. It said “taking on the responsibility of a heritage-listed site like Mount Errington is a labour of love”.
“Our goal, through this proposed adaptive re-use, is to join passionate members of the community in the protection of Hornsby’s heritage.”
The not-for-profit organisation said the car park and driveway were designed to have “the least amount of impact as possible” on the trees and garden.
The Planning Department acknowledged changes to the property, gardens and the removal of trees would have “some impacts on its heritage significance” but said the proposal would ensure the site’s “viable long-term use”.
“The overall benefits of the proposal in retaining the dwelling and the gardens, while proposing a school on the site, would outweigh the identified negative heritage impacts.”
The commission will hold an online public meeting in February before making a final decision.
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Megan Gorrey is the Urban Affairs reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald.
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