Protecting and preserving Pakenham’s heritage places

Currently on public exhibition, the proposed Amendment seeks to apply new planning controls to a number of places and precincts identified as having historical significance within the Pakenham Activity Centre.

Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Collin Ross said the proposed heritage controls would safeguard Pakenham Activity Centre’s cultural, aesthetic and architectural heritage as the town continues to grow and change.

“Historic influences have helped shape the character and identity of Pakenham, and this is important to both the community and Council. The proposed Amendment will ensure new development integrates appropriately with the historical look and feel of the town centre, rather than detract from it,” Cr Ross said.

The proposed Amendment would implement the key actions and objectives of the Pakenham Structure Plan (March 2017) by applying a Heritage Overlay to eight individual places, one group listing, and three precincts identified in the Pakenham Structure Plan Heritage Review (February 2018).

Central Ward Cr Jodie Owen said the heritage places and precincts identified in the proposed Amendment contribute to the neighbourhood character and the historical richness of the area.

“Council undertook a lot of research and work with the community when developing the Pakenham Structure Plan and we are pleased to progress with this proposed Amendment to continue implementing our community’s vision,” Cr Owen said.

Fellow Central Ward Cr Carol Ryan added that Council recognises heritage places add to the character and charm of an area and Council wants to see Pakenham inspire a strong sense of community pride where the community and visitors can shop, eat, relax, enjoy, work and live.

“Protecting our heritage places will help us to better understand and share in Cardinia Shire’s past as well as enriching our present. For these reasons and more, protecting places of historical significance for our future generations is important, and the proposed Amendment sets out to achieve this,” Cr Ryan said.

The Heritage Overlay would necessitate a planning permit to undertake improvements or works for things such as external alterations, building a front fence, demolishing a property, painting a property and significant tree removal.

Central Ward Cr Michael Schilling said the proposed overlay applies the Victorian Government’s policies and reflects Council’s objectives to protect historically significant buildings, precincts, trees, structures and places.

“This Amendment progresses the intentions of the Pakenham Structure Plan, which helps guide the development of Pakenham Activity Centre over the next 20 years. The Heritage Overlay may provide parameters for development but it also provides opportunities for existing heritage buildings to be readapted for new uses and for new developments to take advantage of the benefits heritage-style buildings offer, including increased density, scale and height, while maintaining heritage character and façade,” Cr Schilling said.

Submissions must be made in writing and submitted to Council by 5pm, Friday 7 September 2018.

For more information about proposed Planning Scheme Amendment C242, visit Council’s website at www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay or call 1300 787 624.