The City of Ballarat says a decision made by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) last week refusing the demolition of a miner’s cottage is a significant win for heritage in the city.

Consistent with Council’s delegated decision, VCAT refused to allow the building to be demolished due to its heritage value and status as an integral part of a section of Ascot Street South which has 80% heritage intactness.

Councillor Samantha McIntosh said there was still an opportunity for the cottage to be restored and saved and for the site to be developed further, despite the cottage not being occupied for many years.

“The cottage is in a bad state, there’s no doubt about that. However, Council could see the potential for the property to be restored, allowing us to retain a property that contributes significantly to the heritage value of the area”.

“We’re very pleased that VCAT agreed with our decision and we hope that this will serve as a useful reference for future heritage demolition applications”.

Evidence was presented to the hearing by Council’s Heritage Advisor and a qualified structural engineer.

More information on heritage in Ballarat, including Council’s heritage grants and loans, is available here.