BALLARAT City Council last night voted to approve a planning application for the home of deputy mayor Samantha McIntosh and her family.
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Cr McIntosh recused herself from consideration of the application related to the historic Elsinore property in Hotham Street but her husband Greg McIntosh spoke in support of the application.
Lodged in August 2012, the application received eight objections from residents in Lake Wendouree, Newington and Ballarat North.
The approved works include the demolition of an outbuilding, alterations to existing sections of the home and the relocation of a 20th century cottage on the site.
A new two-bedroom double-storey dwelling with an attached single garage will also be built on the site.
Objectors to the application called for councillors to protect the home and gardens, which was once home to Australian solider and MP Pompey Elliott.
Responding to the objections, Mr McIntosh said the family sought to add 21st century lifestyle and amenity to the property while protecting its heritage elements.
He said no decision had been made on any possible future sale of the new dwelling approved under the plan, but that the family had abandoned plans to convert the home into a bed and breakfast.
Reading from prepared notes, Cr Amy Johnson offered strong support for the application, citing the McIntosh family’s record of restoring 19 heritage homes.