An application to demolish one of Diggers Rest’s oldest houses has been suspended after a heritage assessment found the property is of historic significance.
Melton council officers who visited the 1920s weatherboard house, “Athenry”, deemed the building is worthy of further investigation.
A report to be presented to councillors tonight recommends that the council seek authorisation from Planning Minister Matthew Guy to prepare a planning scheme amendment to apply for permanent heritage controls.
“Given the inability to carry out a detailed assessment of the property at the time of the formulation and adoption of the Shire of Melton heritage study, the property could not be included in the heritage overlay,” the report states.
“The heritage consultant [who has looked at the house since the application to demolish it was lodged] has advised that the house is in fair condition and worthy of retention.”
The report also stated that at one point, a Melton industrialist had apparently established a zoo on the site.
The house, once owned by former Melton mayor Michael Kilgariff, was later sold to developers.
Diggers Rest resident Alex Jinks said he would love to see the house, known by locals as ‘‘The Castle’’, saved.
“I visited the house 25 years ago and I was gobsmacked; it was mind-blowing,’’ Mr Jinks said.
“I am very interested in it because of the background and heritage of the property.
“I’d like to see it as a tourist attraction and possibly become a coffee shop so that it’s not lost to the community.”
