Fight to keep sandstone wall safe

The developers of 342-344 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul (otherwise known as The Gables) recently requested an amendment to the condition imposed by an earlier Wollongong Local Planning Panel (WLPP) relating to the historic dry sandstone boundary wall.

The Structural Engineers expressed concerns about retention of the wall during the construction phase due to safety issues and noted that substantial portions of the wall would need to be removed in order to install two openings in the wall for access to the proposed units. They recommended that the wall be carefully removed ensuring that no damage occurs to the blocks and that construction of the wall be recorded.

Revisiting the conditions of approval pertaining to the wall, the WLPP on 11 May determined that the modification to the development application be approved subject to a number of conditions.

The modified condition (6a) states that the existing dry sandstone wall shall be retained in-situ where possible in its original height and form; and that parts of the wall may be dismantled and reconstructed, as needed and be rebuilt or made good to match its original height and form, utilising the original blocks or like for like in matching sandstone where required.

Understandably like for like would be difficult to achieve given the age of the blocks so retention is the best solution.

Pleasingly, the latest WLPP added a new condition that should the blocks have to be temporarily removed due to construction requirements that they be retained and securely stored on site. This is an important condition as both the Heritage Section of Council and locals want to ensure that the 394 sandstone blocks are retained and handled in a safe manner during the dismantling and construction phases.

The latest WLPP went further than the previous adding additional requirements including that the location of the dry-stone wall be surveyed prior to any works to establish the location of that wall relative to the boundaries; and that a survey report from a Registered Surveyor be conducted prior to reconstruction and at completion.

The community argued against this development, but unfortunately lost the battle to retain The Gables. We had a small win with retention of the dry sandstone boundary wall which made the effort worthwhile. By acknowledging the sandstone wall and its importance, not only has a piece of local history been retained, but so too the streetscape. It also shows that concerted community action can make a difference.

If you love living in Thirroul and want to help maintain its village atmosphere come and join the Thirroul Village Committee (TVC). Face-to-face meetings have now recommenced after a lengthy hiatus due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Check the website for meeting dates: www.thirroulvillage.com