RESIDENTS of the Peter Lalor estate have presented Whittlesea council with petitions containing 1200 signatures opposing a heritage overlay on their post-war houses.
By last week’s deadline for submissions, 107 residents had also lodged formal objections, arguing the overlay would lower house values and hinder modifications to their homes.
Some petitioners have lived in the estate for 30 years, according to resident spokeswoman Bindu Sharma.
About 134 houses would be affected by the proposed heritage controls, Ms Sharma said. The controls would push up insurance costs and require costly consultations for renovations.
“Already three properties are on sale. People are panicking,” Ms Sharma said.
The council’s move is aimed at preserving the historic and cultural significance of the estate, built after World War II as a co-operative estate for ex-servicemen. Historical researcher Moira Scollay said it was named a war memorial by the government – the only housing estate in Australia with the designation.
But Ms Sharma said most of the ex-servicemen sold their homes long ago.
A council spokesperson said it had received 148 separate submissions on the proposed scheme. Seven were in favour of the proposal.
