The building in question is not habitable and has been that way for a considerable time. The foundations failed years ago and the brick piers replacing them are in various stages of failure.

The front wall and verandah of the house has been substantially modified as has the rear of the house. Much of the timber is in various stages of dry rot.

The foundations and floorboards of this building would need to be replaced and that in turn would compromise the walls and roof. This building is held up by vertical planks nailed to the roof and floorboards.

Rectification works to make this building habitable for continued use would be extensive and require replacement of a high percentage of the building to the detriment of any heritage contribution to the area.

We would all like to save these buildings where possible and a number of similar buildings exist and are habitable in Morpeth.

It is totally unreasonable to expect an individual property owner to invest the significant amount of money required to make this building habitable when the final heritage outcome is compromised by the rebuild.

All of these factors were taken into account when the councillors made their decision on a Tuesday night.

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