HELP!!

We learned yesterday that  the residence designed to be built on the convict lumber yard immediately adjacent (and I mean IMMEDIATELY adjacent) to Coutts, has been allowed  by NSW Heritage to progress to the next stage of the process (an Integrated Development Application) with only minor conditions.

The amended design will now be on display in Newcastle for 30 days to give chance for further public comment. It will then be assessed by Newcastle City Council and resubmitted to NSW Heritage to gain a Section 60 approval.

This means that some construction is almost certain to be allowed on the Lumber Yard Site, covering the Heritage listed site, its history and artefacts. We find that terribly disappointing.

It also means that if this development goes ahead, the only views of Coutts that will be available to the public is of the north face of the building, from the road (unless you value glimpses of the top of the roof and the chimneys).

The bulky wall adjoining the lumber yard has been reduced to some extent, but the bulk of the building remains, and the topography of the land is such that Coutts will virtually invisible.  The Grand Vista will disappear.

The east side of Coutts is already almost entirely blocked from sunlight, this new building as it is planned would block almost all light from the west. Unfortunately it also means that we will probably need to leave the building without its verandah and balcony to avoid further shading.

The building next door as planned is set to dominate the streetscape. The lack of a verandah on Coutts will make it even more dominant, and change the heritage nature of the precinct forever. (Sigh of sadness)

This picture is provided in favour of the development, demonstrating that Coutts can still be seen.
This is from the best possible viewing angle to the west, on the edge of the road,

If there was no verandah...?

You decide.



We are disappointed that after putting heart and soul (not to mention lots of cash) breathing new life into a once derelict building, if this development goes ahead as planned,  the community of Newcastle and the visitors attracted to the area by the heritage nature will be not be able to see it in all its glory, and make best sense of the maritime history of Newcastle.

We are still hopeful that the next stage of the process ensures that the development is subject to modifications which will make it better suited to preserve the setting and views of Coutts in line with the Burra Charter to which Newcastle is a signatory.