A development application has been submitted to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council for the demolition of the Kew Chimneys, which are situated on a property at Homedale Road. 

Kendall Heritage Society secretary Betty Boyd said the stand alone chimneys are the remains of one of a number of mill houses, associated with the timber industry in an area known as Struggle Town. The home to which the chimneys are located is believed to be the residence of the mill owner. 

Kew and Kendall property owners who were considered by council to be impacted by the application, have been contacted directly and advised of their opportunity to make a submission.

A structural engineering assessment was carried out on the property and it found the chimneys were structurally unsound, potentially dangerous under wind load or minor accidental loading and not capable of being stabilised without unacceptably high risk to tradesmen who carried out the work. 

According to the development application, the engineer recommended the chimneys to be demolished and in the meantime a security fence had been erected. 

A report from the development application said the demolition of the chimneys would be done in such a way as to minimise damage to bricks, so they could be conserved for future display. 

Mrs Boyd said it is imperative the community is given a chance to know whether it is feasible to make the chimneys safe and retain them for prosperity. 

A spokesperson from council said the official deadline for members of the community to make a submission is April 25, however submissions made after this date might be considered.

If you would like to discuss the application please call the assessing officer on (02) 6581 8111.

Submissions regarding the application must be made either in writing to PO Box 84 Port Macquarie NSW 2444 or via email to council@pmhc.nsw.gov.au