The following news extract gives one a little insight into the type of developer that will be responsible for a World Heritage Great Barrier Reef site:
Razing the roof
The latest owner of Bellevue Hill’s $20 million neo-Gothic mansion Rona, the property developer Terry Agnew, continues to put noses out of joint over his renovations, including removing century-old terracotta roof tiles. When contacted this week an irate Agnew said he did have development approval, though he admitted he had subsequently lodged an amendment (Section 96) for the works which was yet to be determined.
Despite Woollahra Council not having given any consent for the roof, most of the tiles have now been removed.
“I don’t give a f— if it is the most important house in Australia,” Agnew hollered, initially declining to comment on the work, saying it was no one’s business. Pressed further, he said: “The tiles have been removed so we can repair timber joists which are rotting. The tiles have been falling off. They’re unsafe. We’ve sent them to council and we are still waiting for them to come back to us.”
The head of council’s compliance department paid a swift visit to Rona after hearing the roofing had vanished.
“The site manager said tiles had been removed so repairs to the roof could be undertaken. Council is now writing to the owners to have this confirmed in writing and to clarify the situation,” a council spokeswoman explained. Agnew personally called council following our inquiries and gave a verbal assurance the tiles would be replaced “like with like”.
We’ll leave it to you to make up your mind whether Tower Holdings and GKI Resorts will comply with conditions if they are imposed ahead of approval!? :)
