Changes to mIll’s heritage listing

Tara Murray

Changes to the heritage listing of the John Darling and Sons Flour Mill have been approved.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning last week officially gazetted changes to the heritage registration last week.

The changes further cement the sites significance in the area.

The mill was first recognised with state level cultural heritage significance in 1991.

The proposed changes will see an extension of the registered heritage area to include land on the eastern edge of the site containing the building canopy, rail siding, and load platform remnants, and amending the boundary to the northern edge to remove the public realm.

The additional land proposed for inclusion has been associated with the complex for 95 years.

Development which impacts these features and/or the land may also affect the setting and context of the complex, including the eastern elevation which has landmark qualities, and the relationship between the complex and the railway.

The rail siding, load platform, canopy and associated land are integral aspects to the historical operation, character and appearance of the mill, and their removal would harm the heritage significance of the place.

Other changes include categories of works that can and can’t be carried out.

Brimbank council supported the changes at its council meeting in October.

At the time, Cr Bruce Lancashire said the changes support long standing aspirations for the heritage protection of these areas.

Changes to the heritage registration for the HV McKay Memorial Gardens is headed to a formal hearing.

Star Weekly understands all parties and submitters are in agreement with most of the proposed revised citation, but the church on the site is seeking some permit exemptions.

That hearing is not expected to be for a number of months.