Once again an historic stables used as a Cobb and Co staging post in Ballarat has been demolished, to the disappointment and frustration of locals and historians.
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The large wooden stables with a bluestone entrance stood on a development block at 316 Yarrowee Parade, Redan.
It was razed on Monday morning.
Local Nicole Downes said she grew up with the stables being a feature of Redan.
"It had glorious beams and it was solid," Ms Downes told The Courier.
"My mother remembers it from her childhood. The developer told the previous owners it was going to be turned into apartments."
Following questions from The Courier, City of Ballarat said approval for the demolition of buildings was granted on 25 March 2020.
A planning permit was not required for the demolition of the two sheds involved, and the developer has 'acted within the rules of current planning laws' and will not be fined or penalised, a statement said.
In 2013, similarly historic stables in Miners Rest were demolished without approval.
An unsatisfactory penalty process led to the abandonment of any prosecution against the developer.
Federation University history lecturer Dr David Waldron and a source within council planning expressed frustration at the loss of the stables, saying council's heritage assessment needed to be examined in light of the ease with which demolitions took place, and a lack of transparency about process.
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