Amendment C189port proposes to provide interim heritage protection for the building at 12 Hotham Grove, Ripponlea, whilst Council pursues permanent heritage controls through a separate amendment process to commence in September 2022 (proposed Amendment C206port – under preparation).
The building has been assessed in Review of Heritage Precinct HO7: Elwood, St Kilda, Balaclava and Ripponlea – Stage 2 Report (RBA Architects and Conservation Consultants) and found to be of local historical and representative significance to Port Phillip. The report recommends 12 Hotham Grove, Ripponlea for inclusion in the heritage overlay with a ‘Significant’ grading. It is proposed to be included as part of a serial listing with 2 Hotham Grove, Ripponlea (already in HO418) as two surviving late Victorian timber houses in an isolated pocket of Ripponlea.
The citation (Citation 2331) and Statement of Significance provide that
The houses are historically significant for their association with an early phase of development in Ripponlea. They are of representative significance as largely intact examples of modest late Victorian timber housing in Ripponlea.
A building permit for demolition of 12 Hotham Grove, Ripponlea was received pursuant to Section 29A of the Building Act 1993 on 12 July 2022. There is currently no Heritage Overlay applied to the site, and accordingly no planning permit is required for demolition. Council is seeking interim heritage protection to respond to the immediate risk of the demolition of this important heritage building and to enable heritage matters to be considered in any future planning application for this site while permanent heritage controls are being progressed.