By VANESSA CHIRCOP
A PLANNING application, which proposed a mixed development of seven shops and 18 dwellings at the historic Masonic Hall site in Newport, was knocked back by the Hobsons Bay Special Planning Committee (SPC) last week.
The application sought to retain the existing Masonic Hall façade (front and part side), but demolish the remainder of the building and construct of a four level development comprising seven shops and 18 dwellings with basement parking.
According to the Heritage Impact Assessment, the Masonic Hall was identified as culturally, historically and socially significant for its strong associations with the Masonic movement and how this influenced the development of Newport and surrounding areas.
The report also described the building as architecturally significant designed in “the neo-Grecian manner”.
At present the building, located on the corner of Mason St and Melbourne Rd, is being used as a warehouse sale venue.
The application was advertised and 11 objections were received from the surrounding area.
Most concerns related to lack of parking, waste removal, the adequacy of the loading area and construction activities.
Councillors Peter Hemphill, Luba Grigorovitch and John Hogg sat on the SPC last week and voted to knock back the application despite the officer’s recommending the SPC grant the planning permit to the developers.
