The future of what’s left of Diggers Rest’s only hotel remains unclear after Melton council deferred making a decision on what will happen to the pub’s burnt-out shell.
Last Tuesday, councillors were to vote on an application to demolish the remains of the historic hotel, which burnt down in October 2008.
Cr Lara Carli proposed deferring the application for ‘‘no more than three months’’ after discussions with the pub’s owners.
Council officers had recommended voting against the application to demolish the building’s remains.
“I spoke to one of the owners of the Diggers Rest Hotel and he was very keen to move forward with council for an outcome which will benefit all residents in Diggers Rest,” Cr Carli said.
“At this stage, the most responsible thing is to sit down and have these discussions and, when we have the knowledge, make this decision.”
Cr Carli said she was unclear about the owners’ plans for the site if the remains were to be removed.
The hotel was built in 1854. Under council planning provisions, the site can only be used for a hotel if the existing building is repaired.
If it is demolished, any new buildings must comply with green wedge zone restrictions.
Cambridge, Coburn and Watts Residents Association presented a petition with 54 signatures calling for the building to be demolished.
Association president Nathan Miles said the only positive to come from last week’s meeting was that a decision on the future of the hotel would be made soon.
“I’m assuming we will get an outcome in three months’ time, and this is the first time we have had a timeframe,’’ he said.
“You can’t just let it sit there. It’s an eyesore and safety issue. Our first preference is that, if possible, it be rebuilt. But I’m not sure it can be, which is why we want it demolished.”
