Demolition of character home one step closer

BALANCING economics with the need to preserve Toowoomba's heritage has again reared its head among city officials.

Council has overruled its own planning officers' advice by a majority of seven votes to four and opted to allow a character-listed home in Cavell St to be demolished.

The owner of the run-down East Toowoomba property plans to replace it with a new building in keeping with the historical streetscape.

The current house requires major work to reach a liveable standard, with rectification costs of up to $104,000 just to become structurally sound.

However, council's decision to override a recommendation by its own staff has riled conservationists.

"We have reached a new low in conserving our built history when councillors' opinions take precedence over recommendations by their planners and experts," said East Toowoomba resident Eleanor Cullen.

Cr Chris Tait said the proposal fell into a "grey area" where the replacement home would actually enhance the streetscape.

"What is there at the present time is probably detracting from the street," he said.

Cr John Gouldson argued the restoration costs were likely to multiply above and beyond estimates once work actually started.

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Demolition of character home one step closer