FROGMORE – Department of Planning Appeal

Demolition on Frogmore House itself has started – on the southern side of the house the verandah has been removed and trees are being sawn down.   On the northern side the 1960’s-1990’s extensions (of no heritage merit) are rapidly being demolished.

At the end of last week GERA spoke with an Advisor in the Department of Planning – it seems despite the our assertions (which are supported by presented documentation and the National Trust*) that Council’s 9/6/2015 decision was fundamentally flawed**,  the Department of Planning is reluctant to get involved in a decision that has already been made by another level of government.

Many of the Save Frogmore supporters are wondering why

• ministerial approval is required for either a Municipal Planning Scheme and Planning Scheme amendments, and
• a provision for a Ministerial Direction was included in the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

Please keep calling/emailing the Minister for Planning’s office so that our next posting is not entitled “Vale Frogmore”.  Your calls/emails are having an impact.

 Email:                    richard.wynne@parliament.vic.gov.au

 Telephone:         (03) 8392 6175

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Footnotes

National Trust Letter* (click to enlarge) Fundamental Flaws**

• Disregards accredited Independent Heritage Advice received in January, 2015

• lacks adequate strategic justification, particularly with regards the determination of net community benefit
• is inconsistent with the Glen Eira Planning Scheme (Heritage and Aged Care) and the 1987 Planning and Environment Act objectives of planning for Victoria
• denies all stakeholders access to the appropriate due planning scheme amendment process,

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Fundamental Flaws*

• Disregards accredited Independent Heritage Advice received in January, 2015

• lacks adequate strategic justification, particularly with regards the determination of net community benefit
• is inconsistent with the Glen Eira Planning Scheme (Heritage and Aged Care) and the 1987 Planning and Environment Act objectives of planning for Victoria
• denies all stakeholders access to the appropriate due planning scheme amendment process,