A PLAN to demolish two old homes at 47 and 51 Malcolm Street, West Perth was approved by the Perth City Council at its August 22 meeting.
Adjoining land owners to the subject site had spoken against the $3 million, 16-apartment development, saying it would:
• Cause increased traffic flow on the right of way;
• Affect the privacy of adjoining properties due to height and setback concessions;
• Reduce natural light to the car park on the adjoining property due to the height of the proposed rear undercroft wall;
• Overshadow neighbouring properties; and
• Overlook adjoining properties.
Council staff had also recommended the development be refused because the demolition of the two dwellings would “result in the loss of two buildings of cultural significance”.
The two buildings have been listed on council’s Draft Municipal Inventory of Heritage Places but have not been listed on the Heritage Council of WA’s State or Interim Register.
The Heritage Council indicated it may list the property on its State Register and wanted council to refuse the application to give it time to do so.
However, the listing process is lengthy.
Council’s heritage adviser said the two homes were significant because they were built for businessman and philanthropist GF Pitchford.
Mr Pitchford founded the Young Men’s Christian Association in WA and was an active member of numerous social and religious institutions including the Presbyterian Church, Scotch College, Princess Margaret Children’s Hospital and the Blind Association.
