Phillip Bowman is disappointed by the decision to approve the alterations and additions to existing dwelling and construction of commercial premises at Lot 2, No. 5 Laurie Street, Laurieton.

The buildings on the site are heritage listed.

The Post Master's House and the original Post Office are among just a few of Laurieton’s oldest public buildings still surviving since the 1890s.

Mr Bowman attended the Development Assessment Panel Meeting on June 26. 

He said the information in the development application in based on research from 50 years ago, which is not up to date. 

Mr Bowman said the society has been working to establish a heritage precinct in Bold, Laurie and Lake Streets. He said members have been conducting research on the area. 

“We’re never going to stop anybody doing development but we’ve got to appreciate its heritage,” he said.

“It’s the heart.” 

Mr Bowman said the society were never consulted on the development application. 

Currently Mr Bowman said a review of the Local Environmental Plan is taking place. 

“We’re going to insist in the plan that if there is a heritage item it must go before full council,” he said. 

“I think we would have got a different outcome for this if it had gone before full council.” 

Mr Bowman said the development would not be in keeping with the historic nature of the site.

“What really is the problem is the addition of modern shops on that corner,” he said. 

“The social impacts of the area of what happens with these two shops is what concerns us.” 

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council group manager Dan Croft said council’s expert heritage advisor assessed the application and was satisfied that the development met all heritage requirements.

“In addition, in assessing the application council’s Development Assessment Panel considered the development to be consistent with council’s planning controls.”