Heritage listing.

A shiver must be running down the backs of all those people who own 1950's onwards Housing Commission cottages in Wollongong. Planners at Wollongong Council report that examples of these iconic dwellings are becoming rare - and they propose that the genre be preserved by slapping a Heritage listing on those remaining.
A Heritage listing is an instrument of dread to any home owner. Basically, it demands that the dwelling be preserved exactly as it was at the time it was built. Housing Commission homes at that time were placed an a quarter acre block of land and were built to a common design. The outer walls were asbestos cement sheet, the roof was tiled - and it had a brick chimney because in that era winter heating was by way of an open fire.
The problem is that once a Heritage listing is proclaimed even minute matters - such as replacing the letter box - must have approval by the trust. It is impossible to get approval for such things as adding window or split system air conditioning, because those things did not exist when the building was built. Even a coat of paint must have the trust's approval.
So - what does it mean to an owner ? It means the home is almost impossible to sell with an order in place. Demolition is out of the question, even if the land is zoned for medium density housing - and could accomodate town houses at great profit for the owner. The owner is in a time warp - and must live like citizens did over half a century ago.
Surely this would be grounds for compensation ? Maybe a hefty discount on the rates ? No such luck ! Faceless people decide which examples will be covered by a listing - and from that point the unfortunate owner is on his or her own.
It would be nice to have examples of by-gone eras architecture because back in 1961 one in every seven people in Wollongong lived in one of these homes. Today, it would be illegal to plan to build one to that standard. For a start, asbestos cement sheet has been banned. For another, a code named BASIX is in place and that dictates energy and water saving measures such as additional insulation required, north facing aspect, solar hot water heating, water tanks connected to the washing machine and toilet - and many more. Such a home would look nothing like the Housing Commission cottages of the 1950's.
Those living in such homes that have not been changed or renovated must dread receiving a Heritage listing notification in the mail. There is no consultation. The faceless ones make their decision - and for the home owner with plans to renovate or develop - it is the kiss of death !