Perth Voice Interactive

A NEW heritage policy that could see non-owners nominate a building for heritage assessment input has won a lukewarm response at Perth city council.

Currently the council only assesses places for heritage value if the owner asks, and very few do.

Lord mayor Lisa Scaffidi had to step out of the room for the debate, as she part-owns the renowned tourist destination the Grand Central backpackers, which could be affected by the policy.

Cr James Limnios suggested the PCC send the idea back to the planning committee to further consult with people who’d be affected.

The policy was still in very early stages, but would have meant a member of the public could nominate a building to then be assessed by the council for heritage value. Buildings would also be assessed before they were allowed to be demolished.

Even if assessed as valuable, it’d still have to go to full council for a final decision, with the owner able to give their input at each stage.

Cr Reece Harley voted against putting it off, saying “I think it’s been discussed at length” already.

by DAVID BELL