Council planners recommended the proposal be refused for a number of reasons and said the development would not be in keeping with nearby heritage buildings such as the adjoining 130-year-old home Warrane.

Warrane owner Kylee Hughes plans building six dwellings on the site at 92 Belmore Road in a staged sub-division.

At a council meeting this week Cr Brian Burke went against council planners’ recommendation to refuse the development a moved a motion to approve it.

Cr Loretta Baker spoke against Cr Burke’s motion and said the development was “not in keeping with the heritage significance in the heart of Lorn which is a conservation area.”

“This sub-division is totally out of character for Lorn,” Cr Baker said.

“This is going to look like toy town. There is nothing worse than mock heritage,” Cr Baker said.

Cr Philip Penfold said the majority of objections are coming from people who live on properties that were once also part of the Warrane land title.

Cr Robert Aitchison said the development will “take away” the true character of Lorn. He supported the officers’ recommendation for refusal.

Cr Peter Garnham said the site is a gateway to the city and said the proposal would create an attractive entry point.

“I don’t see how it could be detrimental to the area’s heritage.

“Heritage wields a very big stick in Maitland and sometimes that’s not warranted.”

Cr Burke’s motion to approve the development was carried.