43 Smith Road, Castlereagh
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN
Prepared for: Penrith Lakes Development Corporation
Prepared by: TRUMAN, ZANIOL & ASSOCIATES PTY LTD ABN 81 083 874 079 Architects • Heritage Consultants • Project Managers
63 Hamilton Road, Fairfield NSW 2165 Ph (02) 9723-6722 Fax (02) 9723-6744 E-mail: [email protected] NOMINATED ARCHITECT DONALD TRUMAN, Bsc (Arch), B Arch (Hons) RAIA Reg. No 5277
Draft April 2012
43 Smith Road, Castlereagh Conservation Management Plan
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No.
1.0 INTRODUCTION …………………………..…………………………………………1
1.1 Preamble ………………………….……………………………..……………..1 1.2 Purpose of this CMP …………………..………………………………………1 1.3 Definition of the Place …………….…………………………………………..1 1.4 Methodology and Structure …………………………………………………….1 1.5 Terminology ……………………..…………………………………………….1 1.6 Documentary and Photographic Sources …………………………………..5 1.7 Limitations ……………………………………………………………………..6 1.8 Author Identification ………………….…………………………………….…6 1.9 Acknowledgements ………………..…………………………………………6
2.0 HISTORICAL OVERVIEW ………………………………………………………….7
2.1 Introduction ………………………….…………………………………………..7 2.2 European Exploration and Settlement …….………………………………..7 2.3 Agriculture, Dairying and Mining in the Castlereagh …….………………..9 2.4 Penrith Lakes Development Corporation …………………………………..9 2.5 Kennedy Grant – Portion 42, Parish of Castlereagh 1803 – 1861 ……….10 2.5.1 40 acres Northern Part of Portion 42 (DP74904) 1861 – 2011…..11 2.5.2 40 acres Central Part of Portion 42 (Lot 420 DP 1130185) 1861 – 2011……………………………………………………………12 2.5.3 40 acres Central Part of Portion 42 (Lot 421) 1861 – 2011 ……..13 2.5.4 47 acres Southern Part of Portion 42 (DP 63308) 1861 – 2011 …13
3.0 PHYSICAL EVIDENCE ……………………………………………………………15
3.1 Introduction …………………………………………………………………..15 3.2 43 Smith Road and its Setting …………..…………………………………15 3.2.1 The Natural Landscape ………………………………………………15 3.2.2 The Cultural Landscape………………………………………………16 3.2.3 Views ………………………………………………………………….23 3.3 Components of the Site …………………………………………………….25 3.3.1 House ……………………………………………………………….25 3.3.1.1 Survey of Physical Fabric …………………………………………..34 3.3.2 Outbuildings …………………………………………………………37 3.3.2.1 Portable Shed ……………………………………………………….37 3.3.2.2 Shed 1 ………………………………………………………………37 3.3.2.3 Shed 2 ………………………………………………………………..37 3.3.2.4 Dairy ………………………………………………………………….38 3.3.2.5 Miscellaneous ……………………………………………………….39 3.4 Moveable Heritage ………………………………………………………….39 3.5 Archaeology ………………………………………………………………39
4.0 SIGNIFICANCE ANALYSIS…………………………………………………………41
4.1 Integrity of the Place …………………………………………………………41 4.1.1 Setting ………………………………………………………………41 4.1.2 Cultural Landscape ………………………………………………….41 4.1.3 Dwelling ……………………………………………………………..41
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4.1.4 Outbuildings ………………………………………………………….42 4.2 Comparative Analysis ………………………………………………………42 4.2.1 Comparison with Contemporary Mass Concrete Dwellings in Penrith Lakes Scheme Area ……………………………………….42 4.2.2 Comparison with Contemporary Mass Concrete Dwellings Outside Penrith Lakes Scheme Area ……………………………..43 4.3 Outbuildings ………………………………………………………………….43 4.3.1 Portable Shed ………………………………………………………..43 4.3.2 Shed 1 ………………………………………………………………..43 4.3.3 Shed 2 ………………………………………………………………..43 4.3.4 Dairy …………………………………………………………………..44 4.4 Criteria for Significance …………………….……………………………....44 4.4.1 Heritage Assessment Criteria …………………………………….44 4.4.2 NSW Historic Themes ……………………………………………..44 4.4.3 Heritage Assessment Criteria ……………………………………..45 4.5 Archaeological Significance ………………………………………………..47 4.5.1 Summary Statement of Significance ……………………………….47
5.0 STATEMENT OF CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE ………………………………..48
5.1 Primary Significance ………………………………………………………..48 5.2 Secondary Significance ……………………………………………………48 5.2.1 Historical Significance ………………………………………………48 5.2.2 Social Significance ………………………………………………….48 5.2.3 Aesthetic Significance …………………..…………………………48 5.2.4 Scientific (Technical/Research) Significance ……………………49 5.3 Curtilage ………………………………………………………………………49 5.4 Grades of Significance ……………………………………………………..49 5.4.1 Site Elements ……………………………………………………….50 5.4.2 Dwelling ……………………………………………………………..50
6.0 IDENTIFICATION OF CONSTRAINTS AND OPPORTUNITIES …………….52 6.1 Introduction …………………………………………………………………52 6.2 Constraints Arising from the Statement of Significance ………………..52 6.3 Owner’s Requirements ……………………………………………………52 6.4 Statutory Requirements……………………………………………………….53 6.4.1 State Environmental Planning Policy (Major Projects) 2005 …….53 6.4.2 Sydney Regional Environmental Plan 11 - Penrith Lakes Scheme ……………………………………………53 6.4.3 Development Application No. 4 ……………………………………54 6.4.4 New South Wales Heritage Council ………………………………54 6.4.5 Penrith Local Environmental Plan 1991 (Environmental Heritage Conservation) …………………………………………….55 6.4.6 National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 ……………………………..55 6.5 Statutory Requirements and Services Issues ……………………………..56 6.6 Physical Condition ………………….………………………………………56 6.7 Opportunities ……………………….………………………………………….57 7.0 DEVELOPMENT OF CONSERVATION POLICY AND GUIDELINES ………..58
7.1 Introduction ………………………………………………………………….58 7.2 Fabric ………………………………………………………………………..58
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7.3 Setting ……………………………………………...... 59 7.3.1 Views ……………………….……………………………………….60 7.3.2 Cultural Landscape ………………………………………………....60 7.4 Use of the Place …………………..………………………………………..61 7.5 Interpretation ……………………….………………………………………..62 7.6 Management ………………………..……………………………………….63 7.6.1 Landscape Management Zones ………………………………….63 7.6.2 Cultural Landscape …………………………………………………63 7.6.3 Indigenous Vegetation ……..………………………………………63 7.6.4 Weed Management ……….………………………………………..63 7.6.5 Fire Management …………………………………………………..64 7.7 Intervention to Significant Fabric ………………………………………….64 7.8 Future Development ………………………………………………………..64 7.8.1 Adaptation of Significant Fabric …………………………………..64 7.8.2 Additions and New Features ………………………………………65 7.8.3 New Development …………………………………………………..65 7.9 Conservation Procedures …………………………………………………..65 7.10 Adoption and Review of Conservation Policy Guidelines ………………..65
8.0 STATEMENT OF CONSERVATION POLICY GUIDELINES ………………….66
8.1 Introduction …………………………………………………………………..66 8.2 Fabric ………………………………………………………………………..66 8.2.1 Dwelling ………………………………………………………………67 8.2.2 Maintenance Plan ………………………………………………….68 8.3 Setting ………………………………………………………………………..69 8.4 Use of the Place ……………………………………………………………70 8.5 Interpretation …………………………………………………………………70 8.6 Management ………………………………………………………………….71 8.6.1 Landscape Management Zones …….………………………………71 8.6.2 Cultural Landscape ………………………………………………..72 8.6.3 Indigenous Vegetation …………………………………………….72 8.6.4 Weed Control and Eradication Program ………………………….72 8.6.5 Fire Management …………………………………………………..72 8.7 Intervention to Significant Fabric ……………..……………………………73 8.7.1 Dwelling ………………………………………………………………73 8.8 Future Development …………………………………………………………73 8.8.1 Adaptation of Significant Fabric …………………………………..74 8.8.1.1 Dwelling …………………………………………………………….74 8.8.2 Additions and New Built Features …………………………………75 8.8.2.1 Dwelling ………………………………………………………………75 8.8.3 New Development …………………………………………………..75 8.9 Conservation Procedures ………………….………………………………76 8.10 Adoption and Review of Conservation Policy Guidelines ……………….77
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1.0 Introduction
1.1 Preamble
This Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for 43 Smith Road, Castlereagh has been prepared for Penrith Lakes Development Corporation (PLDC) as owner of the property and undertaken by Truman, Zaniol & Associates Pty Ltd (TZA).
The subject site is located within the Penrith Lakes Scheme area, which is currently a sand and gravel quarry located north of Penrith. There are sites of European cultural significance located within the Scheme area, including the subject site. In the near future quarrying within the Scheme area will cease and the land will be transferred from PLDC ownership.
1.2 Purpose of this CMP
The purpose of the report is to understand the significance of the place and its components, identify constraints and opportunities which affect the place, analyse those constraints and opportunities, and arrive at a set of conservation policies for the basis of implementation of those conservation policies.
1.3 Definition of the Place
43 Smith Road is located about 12 kilometres north of Penrith and 54km west of Sydney CBD in the City of Penrith Local Government Area in the County of Cumberland (refer to Figure 1.1). The subject site (the place) is situated on the northern boundary of the Penrith Lakes Scheme area and is defined by the PLDC Conservation Zone for Smith Road House.1 The subject site lies partly within the following cadastral identifiers: Lot 471 in Deposited Plan 558416; Lot 420 and Lot 421 in Deposited Plan 1130185; and Deposited Plan 63308 which are located between Castlereagh Road to the east and Nepean River to the west, and sits on an allotment that formed part of one of the original land grants in the Penrith area – Portion 42 (refer to Figure 1.2). Improvements on the property include, but are not limited to an early twentieth century dwelling, outbuildings and remnant fences (refer to Figure 1.3). The place is currently unoccupied.
1.4 Methodology and Structure
This conservation plan follows the general guidelines and structure outlined in J S Kerr, The Conservation Plan, the National Trust of Australia (NSW), 1996 and the guidelines in The Burra Charter: The Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance 1999, and with reference to the NSW Heritage Council’s Heritage Manual.
1.5 Terminology
Unless otherwise noted terminology used in this report is as defined in the Burra Charter, which is the accepted basis for terminology in heritage conservation.
1 A conservation zone referred to in this report is a reference to an area set aside by the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation as a non quarry zone for either cultural and/or environmental values. These zones have no legal standing.
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43 Smith Road
Boundary of Penrith Lakes Scheme
Figure 1.1 Location Plan Showing 43 Smith Road at the northern end of the Penrith Lakes Scheme. Source: PLDC
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Figure 1.2 Site Identification Showing subject site defined by diagonal lines. Source: PLDC
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Figure 1.3 Part Plan of 43 Smith Road Showing extant buildings, fence lines and tracks. Source: Truman, Zaniol Associates Pty Ltd
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Particular terms used in this report include the following:
Place means site, area, land, landscape, building or other work, group of buildings or other works, and may include components, contents, spaces and views.
Cultural significance means aesthetic, historic, scientific or social or spiritual value for past, present or future generations.
Fabric means all the physical material of the place including components, fixtures, contents, and objects.
Conservation means all the processes of looking after a place so as to retain its cultural significance.
Maintenance means the continuous protective care of the fabric and setting of a place, and is to be distinguished from repair. Repair involves restoration or reconstruction.
Preservation means maintaining the fabric of a place in its existing state and retarding deterioration.
Related object means an object that contributes to the cultural significance of a place but is not at the place.
Restoration means returning the existing fabric of a place to a known earlier state by removing accretions or by reassembling existing components without the introduction of new material.
Reconstruction means returning a place to a known earlier state and is distinguished from restoration by the introduction of new material into the fabric.
Adaptation means modifying a place to suit the existing use or a proposed use.
Compatible use means a use which respects the cultural significance of a place.
Conservation Zone means an area set aside by PLDC as a non-quarry zone for either cultural and/or environmental values. These zones have no legal standing.2
Curtilage means the geographical area that provides the physical context for a place, and which contributes to its heritage significance. Land title boundaries and heritage curtilages do not necessarily coincide.3
1.6 Documentary and Photographic Sources
The main sources of research material used in Section 2 of this report are noted at the bottom of each page. Unless otherwise stated, photographs used in this report have been undertaken by James Stephany of Truman, Zaniol & Associates Pty Ltd, Architects and Heritage Consultants
2 PLDC Conservation Zones (PLDC Ref – 10572), 22 April 2010 3 Heritage Terms and Abbreviations, Heritage Office and Department of Urban Affairs and Planning, 1996, p.3
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1.7 Limitations
Social significance was not researched for this report beyond what was available from existing sources. An independent assessment of contemporary community esteem for the place was beyond the scope of this study. This report also does not address Aboriginal cultural heritage or detailed assessment of the archaeological resource.
1.8 Author Identification
This report has been prepared James Stephany of Truman, Zaniol & Associates Pty Ltd, Architects and Heritage Consultants. Donald Truman, Director of Truman, Zaniol & Associates Pty Ltd reviewed the report. Helen Truman assisted in preparing and proofing the report. The physical survey has been undertaken by James Stephany.
Natural and cultural landscape physical survey, significance assessment and policies for the place were prepared by Geoffrey Britton in 2006 for PLDC and have been incorporated into this report.
1.9 Acknowledgments
The authors wish to gratefully acknowledge assistance from the following people in preparation of this conservation plan:
Stephen Ritherdon, former PLDC Project Manager European Heritage for his assistance with research material and access to the place.
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2.0 HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
2.1 Introduction
The following historical overview traces European exploration of the Castlereagh area, and initial settlement. This section also addresses the historical development of primary land uses in the Castlereagh area following settlement including agriculture, dairying and mining. Finally a succinct history of the development of the study area located in Portion 42 of the original Donald Kennedy grant (the study area) is provided.
Information provided in this section is drawn from three sources – Penrith Lakes Scheme Conservation Management Plan (2010) by Godden Mackay Logan; A History of Portion 42 Parish of Castlereagh County of Cumberland Final Report (2011) prepared by Dr Terry Kass; and DA 4 Management Study Heritage Assessment, Penrith Lakes Scheme Area, Castlereagh, (1997) prepared by Siobhon Lavelle and Anne Bickford & Assoc., & The Nepean District Historical Archaeological Group.
References for information provided in this section are referred to in the footnotes located at the bottom of each page.
2.2 European Exploration and Settlement
The first recorded Europeans to explore the Nepean River area was a party led by Governor Phillip in 1789. Following the Govenors’ return to Sydney after a few days, the exploration party continued under Captain Watkin Tench, an officer of the Royal Marines who wrote favourably of the good soil and broad river he encountered. From the early 1790’s the fertile alluvial banks of a deep bend of the Nepean River north of present day Penrith, and later referred to as “Birds Eye Corner”, was being farmed by squatters. 1
From 1803 land grants, typically between 80 and 200 acres, were being issued in the Castlereagh area by Governor King - mostly to former New South Wales Corps soldiers, and a few to free settlers and emancipists. The size of the grants was a reflection of social standing in the colonial hierarchy. Surveyor James Meehan established Castlereagh Road as a north-south boundary between the first row of parallel grants which fronted the Nepean River (refer to Figure 2.1). At the time, access to the Castlereagh area was from the north via a track from Richmond, and not from present day Penrith.2
In 1811 Governor Macquarie established five towns (the Macquarie Towns of Windsor, Richmond, Pitt Town, Wilberforce and Castlereagh) in the Nepean district. Surveyor James Meehan sited Castlereagh in the District of Evan, on a ridge east of the Nepean River and Castlereagh Road - out of the reach of floods. Apart from a church, cemetery and school, there was little interest in populating the town primarily due to a lack of water. With the establishment of Penrith as a major service and transport centre in the 1820’s, the town of Castlereagh floundered and was eventually abandoned in the 1840’s.3
1 Lavelle, S., A. Bickford & Assoc., & The Nepean District Historical Archaeological Group, 1997, DA 4 Management Study Heritage Assessment, Penrith Lakes Scheme Area, Castlereagh, p. 5 2 Lavelle, S., A. Bickford & Assoc., & The Nepean District Historical Archaeological Group, 1997, DA 4 Management Study Heritage Assessment, Penrith Lakes Scheme Area, Castlereagh, p. 5 3 Lavelle, S., A. Bickford & Assoc., & The Nepean District Historical Archaeological Group, 1997, DA 4 Management Study Heritage Assessment, Penrith Lakes Scheme Area, Castlereagh, p. 6
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Figure 2.1 Early land grants within the Penrith Lakes Scheme. The subject site is located in Portion 42. Source: PLDC
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Two extant two-storey brick farm houses were built in the Castlereagh area in the early nineteenth century - Hadley Park (1811) and Nepean Park (1822). These notable dwellings are located on adjacent allotments located midway between Castlereagh Road and the river. Nepean Park, which at its peak comprised 340 acres, was owned by John Single. The property included a school with a tutor for his twelve children. Hadley Park includes a small timber slab building which predates the main dwelling and is potentially one of the oldest timber buildings in New South Wales. Most other houses built in the Castlereagh district in the nineteenth century were more humble affairs. In 1848, 238 dwelling houses were recorded, of which 209 were built of weatherboard, timber slab or ‘inferior’ material.4
2.3 Agriculture, Dairying and Mining in the Castlereagh
With fertile soils and access to water, the Castlereagh area quickly became an important agricultural region in the colony. By the 1820’s the long parallel grant portions along the Nepean River were supporting small crops of mainly maize and wheat, small herds of livestock including cattle, and sheep, market gardening and vineyards. Orchards of citrus and other fruits became common in the Castlereagh area from the mid nineteenth century. Wheat rust ended wheat farming in the area from the 1860’s.5
From the 1890s dairy farms began to appear in the Castlereagh area, and by 1900 it had become a major rural industry, along with farming and orchards. Dairying continued to be a major land use activity in the Castlereagh area well into the twentieth century. In the 1920’s over 230 dairy farmers in the district were supplying to the Nepean Dairy Company in Penrith. Herd sizes typically ranged from 35 to 40 cattle each.6
Sand and gravel mining in the district was first recorded in Emu Plains in the 1880’s. By the 1920’s quarries were operating along the Nepean River. In this period sand and gravel was extracted from the river bed. As the resource dwindled from the river, quarry companies acquired land along the river from the 1950’s onwards. From the 1970’s large scale open-cut quarrying spread through the farming land in the area. By 1979 the larger quarrying companies combined to form the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation. PLDC was a joint venture between Boral, CSR and Pioneer.7
2.4 Penrith Lakes Development Corporation
The Penrith Lakes Scheme Development is implemented under the provisions of Regional Environmental Plan No. 11 – Penrith Lakes Scheme (1986). In 1987 PLDC and the State Government of NSW signed a Deed of Agreement which covered the quarry operations and the completion of the scheme including the development of lakes, parklands and residential development and provisions for the creation of the Sydney International Regatta Centre. As quarrying continues PLDC is creating new lakes, rehabilitating the mined areas and forming a park-land setting for residential development and water-based recreation. As quarry sites are exhausted, the remaining excavations are proposed to be filled with water to form lakes.8
4 Godden Mackay Logan, Penrith lakes Scheme Conservation Management Plan, 2010, p. 18 5 Godden Mackay Logan, Penrith lakes Scheme Conservation Management Plan, 2010, p. 28 6 Godden Mackay Logan, Penrith lakes Scheme Conservation Management Plan, 2010, p. 28 7 Godden Mackay Logan, Penrith lakes Scheme Conservation Management Plan, 2010, p. 30-31 8 Godden Mackay Logan, Penrith lakes Scheme Conservation Management Plan, 2010, p. 31-32
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2.5 Kennedy Grant - Portion 42, Parish of Castlereagh 1803 - 1861
In 1803 Donald Kennedy was granted 160 acres in the District of Evan (as Castlereagh County, Cumberland was called at the time). Kennedy is recorded in the 1806 Land and Stock Muster as arrived on the Royal Admiral 1, as free by servitude. The Muster notes Kennedy had 5 acres in wheat, 130 acres in pasture and 25 acres were fallow. He had 120 goats, and 5 hogs. Kennedy, his wife, 6 children, and one convict were recorded as off the stores. His assigned convict appears to have been John Dougherty, who had arrived on the Rolla.9
Governor Lachlan Macquarie, on one of his early tours of the colony, visited Kennedy’s and surrounding farms in 1810. Governor Macquarie noted all the farms as “having good soil and well cultivated – but liable to flooding”. He described Kennedy’s farm as being “beautifully situated on rising ground near the River”. Governor Macquarie temporarily left his wife at the Kennedy farm while he and his party explored the area.10
By 1822 the Muster noted Donald Kennedy had 60 acres of cleared land, with wheat growing on 16 acres, 30 acres in maize, 1 acre in barley, 1 acre sown with potatoes and 1 acre of orchard. He owned 5 horses, 60 cattle, 200 sheep, and 20 hogs. In 1824 Kennedy requested a grant for his livestock. He noted that he had been 30 years in the colony, had nine children and 100 cattle, 100 sheep and 10 horses.11
In 1825 Donald Kennedy willed a quarter of his holding – 40 acres, to his wife Ann which included a house they resided in, barn and premises, goods, etc., until her death when it would pass to their youngest son Archibald. The adjoining 40 acres was also left to Archibald. Sons Duncan and Donald junior were each left 40 acres of the farm. Daughters Elizabeth, Mary and Mercy were left 7 cattle each, and one quarter of the remaining cattle. The mares were to be left for breeding, and the horses were to be left for the use of the family until the death of Ann, when they would be divided equally amongst all the children. However, his wife Ann died before him in 1827.12
The Census of 1828 recorded Donald Kennedy as being 69 years old and free by servitude and a farmer in the District of Evan. Five of his children were living on the farm – Duncan, Donald junior, Elizabeth, Margery [sic] and Archibald. He had 160 acres of land – 60 cleared and 50 cultivated, 19 horses, 300 cattle and 100 sheep. Kennedy has 2 assigned convicts.13
In 1829 Donald Kennedy died at the age of 70. In 1831 his daughter, Mary, married John Shaw. His youngest son Archibald died in 1835 and willed 20 acres to his sister Mary Shaw and 20 acres to Macey [sic] Hobby. To his sister Elizabeth Ann he left 40 acres. In 1836 Elizabeth Ann married Peter Howell. By a deed of Lease and Release and Partition dated 1838 with the three Kennedy daughters – Mary, Elizabeth Ann and Macey [sic] and John Hamilton, 80 acres of Donald Kennedy’s 160 acre grant was vested in John Hamilton as trustee. The Deed is unclear who received which portions of the Kennedy farm, although Dr. Kass speculates that it must have been the southern half, as Duncan and Donald Jr Kennedy held the northern part of the grant. Dr. Kass also notes that the house mentioned in Donald Kennedy’s will may have been on the southern 80 acres.14
9 Kass, Dr T., 2011, A History of Portion 42 Parish of Castlereagh County Cumberland Final Report, p.5 10 Kass, Dr T., 2011, A History of Portion 42 Parish of Castlereagh County Cumberland Final Report, p.6 11 Kass, Dr T., 2011, A History of Portion 42 Parish of Castlereagh County Cumberland Final Report, p.6 12 Kass, Dr T., 2011, A History of Portion 42 Parish of Castlereagh County Cumberland Final Report, p.7 13 Kass, Dr T., 2011, A History of Portion 42 Parish of Castlereagh County Cumberland Final Report, p.7 14 Kass, Dr T., 2011, A History of Portion 42 Parish of Castlereagh County Cumberland Final Report, p.8
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In 1839, Duncan and Donald Jr. Kennedy mortgaged the 160 acre grant to Thomas Hyndes. In 1840 Hyndes transferred the mortgage to John Hughes. Hughes in turn transferred it to James Comer in 1841. The loan was paid off in 1842 and title was re- conveyed to the Kennedy brothers. However, due to financial problems the Kennedy brothers’ sold the entire 160 acre Donald Kennedy grant to Robert Ritchie (who had married Donald Kennedy’s daughter Ann in 1816) in 1843. Following the death of Robert Ritchie in 1848, his wife Ann became the owner of the property. Ann Ritchie died in 1865. In 1868 Flora Howell (daughter of Elizabeth Kennedy and Peter Howell) and her brothers were named as beneficiaries in Ann Ritchie’s will which was prepared in 1861.15
As noted below, from the 1860’s Donald Kennedy’s 160 acre grant was divided into four separate parcels of approximately 40aces each (refer to Figure 2.2). As the subject site lies partly within all four parcels, the following is a historic overview of each parcel.
Figure 2.2: The study area showing the original historic boundaries of Portion 42 and the current cadastral identifiers. Source: Land and Property Management
2.5.1 40 acres Northern Part of Portion 42 (DP 74904) 1861 - 2011
This portion was advertised for sale in 1842, but was not sold. Improvements included ‘…a substantial slab building having two rooms, an outbuilding, orchard, etc., about thirty acres of the farm is stumped, about seven acres is fenced off for a grass paddock’.16
Ann Ritchie in her will of 1861 devised the northern part of her father’s grant to her nephews Peter and George Howell. A 1873 Road plan notes the land as ‘Mr. Peter Howell’. The Stock Return of 1884 listed Peter Howell at Castlereagh with 80 acres, with 7 horses and 6 cattle. The Aldine Centennial History of 1888 described Peter Howell as having inherited an 80 acre farm and was a cattle breeder and dealer.17
15 Kass, Dr T., 2011, A History of Portion 42 Parish of Castlereagh County Cumberland Final Report, p.8-9 16 Kass, Dr T., 2011, A History of Portion 42 Parish of Castlereagh County Cumberland Final Report, p.9 17 Kass, Dr T., 2011, A History of Portion 42 Parish of Castlereagh County Cumberland Final Report, p.10
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A 1908 Council Valuation listed Flora Clemson of Agnes Banks as owner of 40 acres, part of Portion 42. The occupier was Isaac Smith, farmer of Castlereagh. A wooden building is noted on the land. In 1915 Flora Clemson and Peter Howell leased the land to Theodore Smith, farmer of Castlereagh. Peter Howell passed away in 1917 and Flora Clemson in 1920.18
In 1923 Peter William Howell, farmer of Castlereagh, sold the property to Theodore Smith, a Castlereagh farmer. A series of mortgages followed, and in 1969 the land was subdivided into three parcels and a new road formed.19 In the 1980’s PLDC assumed ownership of Lot 471 in Deposited Plan 558416. In the 1990’s a portion of Lot 471 is set aside as Smith Road House Conservation Zone by PLDC.
2.5.2 40 acres Central Part of Portion 42 (Lot 420 DP 1130185) 1861 - 2011
This portion of Donald Kennedy’s grant was devised by Ann Ritchie in 1861 to her nephews Peter and George Howell. The 1873 road plan showed this as ‘George Howell now Clemson’. In 1869 George Howell had married Hannah Colless. After the deed of Family arrangement date 1884, the southern part of the 80 acres willed by Ann Ritchie was now owned by Peter and George Howell. In 1891 Peter Howell conveyed to George Howell 40 acres.20
In 1900 George Howell was listed as growing barley and oats and he had an orchard. George Howell and his wife Hannah died in 1902. George Howell had five children – William Peter, Athol Colless, Florence, Mina and Ida. An undated valuation of the property in George Howell’s probate file provides the following description of improvements:
The improvements consist of a very old slab cottage with stables and outhouses also old and the fences require replenishing in many places. A new concrete house consisting of four rooms and hall with convenient outhouses was in course of erection at deceased’s death and will require 150 pounds to complete.21
George Howell died intestate. His children signed an agreement on how to divide the property in 1902. Their fathers’ farm (site of the new concrete house) was passed on to Athol Colless Howell. Their fathers other farm (northern part of portion 42) was passed on to William Peter Howell. Money from Hannah Howell’s estate was to be used in ‘completing the building now in course of erection upon the farm we now reside – Such building to be completed in accordance with our mother’s original design.’ Another 100 pounds was to be spent in furnishing the house.
Athol Colless was a well-known local cricketer and his brother, William Peter Howell, played test cricket for Australia. Athol married Minnie Pearce and they had four children. Athol Howell established a successful citrus orchard on the property, market garden and began dairy farming. Following the death of Athol Colless Howell in 1952, the property passed to his son Athol Robert Howell, dairy farmer of Castlereagh in 1956.22
In 1965 Athol Robert Howell sold the property out of the family to Alan Petherbridge, business proprietor and Evelyn Petherbridge of Toronto. Three years later the couple
18 Kass, Dr T., 2011, A History of Portion 42 Parish of Castlereagh County Cumberland Final Report, p.11 19 Kass, Dr T., 2011, A History of Portion 42 Parish of Castlereagh County Cumberland Final Report, p.12-13 20 Kass, Dr T., 2011, A History of Portion 42 Parish of Castlereagh County Cumberland Final Report, p.14 21 Kass, Dr T., 2011, A History of Portion 42 Parish of Castlereagh County Cumberland Final Report, p.14-1 22 Kass, Dr T., 2011, A History of Portion 42 Parish of Castlereagh County Cumberland Final Report, p.15-16
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(now Castlereagh farmers) sold the property to Leslie and Mary Schaefer, Castlereagh dairy farmers. They sold this land and 40 acres to the south (lot 421) to Quarries Pty Ltd in 1975.23 In the mid 1990’s a large portion of Lot 420 is set aside as Smith Road House Conservation Zone by PLDC. Land east and west of the subject site in Lot 420 is currently undergoing gravel and sand quarrying.
2.5.3 40 acres Central Part of Portion 42 (Lot 421) 1861 - 2011
By her will of 1861 Ann Ritchie devised 80 acres to Thomas Hobbey and Archibold Hobby, the sons of her sister Massey [sic], being the southern part of her father Donald Kennedy’s 160 acre grant to be held as tenants in common. Ann Ritchie died in 1865. By deed of Conveyance Thomas Hobby sold the northern 40 acres to Edward Clemson in 1872. The 1873 Road plan noted this land as ‘George Howell now Clemson’.24
A 1908 Council Valuation listed Edward Clemson as owner of 40 acres, part Portion 42. The land was occupied by Arthur Clemson, farmer. There was a wooden building on the land. Edward Clemson sold this land to Arthur Clemson in 1920.25
In 1959 Arthur Clemson appointed Eva O’Conner as executor of his estate. Following Arthurs’ death in 1963, Eva O’Conner conveyed the land to dairy farmers Leslie and Mary Schaefer, Castlereagh. Having mortgaged the property several times, Schaefer sold the land plus 40 adjoining acres (Lot 420) to Quarries Pty Ltd in 1975.26 In the 1990’s a large portion of Lot 421 is set aside as Smith Road House Conservation Zone by PLDC. . Land east and west of the subject site in Lot 421 is currently undergoing gravel and sand quarrying.
2.5.4 47 acres Southern part of Portion 42 (DP 63308) 1861 - 2011
This land was willed to Thomas Hobby by Ann Ritchie in 1861. Hobby sold the land to Edward Clemson in 1872. An 1873 Road plan notes this land as ‘T & A Hobby now E Clemson occupier Smith.27
Following a series of mortgages, Thomas Hobby sold this property to George Howell, a Castlereagh farmer. Howell was at the time living on Lot 420. Following George Howell’s death in 1902, an undated valuation in his probate file describes the land as:
Hobbey’s Farm, Castlereagh Purchased by deceased about 10 years ago said to contain 40 acres has frontage to Nepean River and Castlereagh Road and adjoins Howell’s Farm above described. [sic] On the land is erected a four room concrete cottage with necessary outhouses. There are no other improvements and the fences are only fair. This land is subject to flood the majority being very fair, that facing Castlereagh Road being worst…28
Dr. Kass notes the above description is incorrect in so far as Howell’s farm was not adjacent to this land, and the concrete cottage mentioned is not the same one that was near Smith’s Road on Lot 420.
23 Kass, Dr T., 2011, A History of Portion 42 Parish of Castlereagh County Cumberland Final Report, p.16 24 Kass, Dr T., 2011, A History of Portion 42 Parish of Castlereagh County Cumberland Final Report, p.16-17 25 Kass, Dr T., 2011, A History of Portion 42 Parish of Castlereagh County Cumberland Final Report, p.17 26 Kass, Dr T., 2011, A History of Portion 42 Parish of Castlereagh County Cumberland Final Report, p.17 27 Kass, Dr T., 2011, A History of Portion 42 Parish of Castlereagh County Cumberland Final Report, p.18 28 Kass, Dr T., 2011, A History of Portion 42 Parish of Castlereagh County Cumberland Final Report, p.18
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William Peter Howell assumed ownership of the property in 1902. A 1908 Council Valuation noted William Peter Howell, farmer of Castlereagh as owner and occupier, with a concrete building on it. Following Howell’s death in 1940, the property passed to Sidney Bent Howell and William Hunter Howell in 1961. In 1971 the property passed to Giddeon and Norma Mudford.29 Currently a large portion of this land is subject to sand and gravel extraction by PLDC. A small portion of this land is set aside as Smith Road House Conservation Zone by PLDC.
29 Kass, Dr T., 2011, A History of Portion 42 Parish of Castlereagh County Cumberland Final Report, p.21
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3.0 Physical Evidence
3.1 Introduction
This section begins with a description of 43 Smith Road and its setting, and natural and cultural landscape. A photographic survey of extant plantings is shown in Figures 3.01 to 3.06. Extant buildings, plantings and fence lines etc. are shown in Figures 3.7 and 3.08. A survey of key views to and from the place was undertaken and is shown in Figures 3.09 to 3.12.
A physical survey was also undertaken in November 2011 to record the existing configuration of built components of the place, and to consider the age of fabric in order to better understand their integrity and evolution, and to consider its impact on the cultural landscape. During the survey, alterations in the physical fabric of the above were noted which may have a bearing on conservation decisions, in terms of integrity when considering significance, and in terms of physical condition when considering conservation policy decisions.
Photographs of fabric and spaces of the dwelling and outbuildings are shown in Figures 3.13 to 3.39. The results of the physical survey of the house are shown on a floor plan (Figure 3.40).
Finally, potential archaeological remains at the place are summarised, which is drawn from the Smith Road Residence Archaeology Handbook, draft report prepared by Godden Mackay Logan in 2008 for PLDC.
3.2 43 Smith Road and its Setting1
The Penrith Lakes Scheme area is situated in the Castlereagh Valley on a broad alluvial floodplain extending north and east of the Nepean River – north of Penrith. The Castlereagh Escarpment rises in the northeast and the Blue Mountains Escarpment rises beyond the Nepean River to the west. Nearby to the northeast are the remains of the township of Castlereagh established by Governor Macquarie in the early nineteenth century. To the north is Agnes Banks, comprising a mix of open pastoral landscape and large rural residential lots.
The place is located on the northern boundary of the Penrith Lakes Scheme area, between the Nepean River to the west and Castlereagh Road to the east. It is bounded to the immediate west, south and east by ongoing sand and gravel open cut quarrying operations. Located adjacent to the northern boundary of the place on private property (which once formed part of Portion 42) is open pastoral landscape and a late twentieth century dwelling with a large metal clad industrial shed located to its south, with pallets of polystyrene boxes stacked next to the shed.
3.2.1 The Natural Landscape
The most enduring landscape elements within the place are the natural ones – the central rise in topographic relief, drainage patterns and persistent locally indigenous vegetation. The complex mosaic of ancient creeks, lagoons and wetlands was a distinctive feature of the valley landscape, and that those drainage features which remain after the cessation of
1 The description of the natural and cultural landscape is drawn verbatim from a report prepared for PLDC by Geoffrey Britton, Environmental Design and Heritage Consultant in 2006 with TZA amendments to account for plantings which appear to no longer exist on the subject site.
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quarrying will become important vestiges – both historically and ecologically – within the new valley landscape.
Following completion of earthworks and new Wildlife Lake to the south of the place, the existing ancient rise beyond the circular creek will remain as an enduring feature of this former grant area. The topography in this area has some curious attributes.
The western side of the above noted landform rises out of a circular creek in a fairly uniform slope up to a flat north-south orientated ridgeline. The eastern side accommodates two broad terraces between the ridgeline and the creek. The southern side also features a small terrace before the plunging ridgeline reaches the creek.
It is noteworthy that two of these flatter areas – the ridge top site and the lower terrace – are where the main extant building group and the surviving orchard trees remain while the main groups and individuals of mature indigenous trees are on the slopes between these terraces.
Notable indigenous tree species to remain within the former grant area include the group of large Forest Red Gums (Eucalyptus tereticornis) across the eastern mid-slope (Figure 3.1), the large old Blue Box (E. baueriana) to the south of the house (Figure 3.2) and large specimens of White Cedar (Melia azedarach var. australasica) on the private land to the northwest.
3.2.2 The Cultural Landscape
Much of the surviving landscape fabric from the site’s farming phases appears to be from the earlier half of the 20th century. This includes remnant plantings within the immediate house curtilage (i.e. around the house and generally along the southern part of the ridge top), fruit trees within an old orchard area to the southeast of the house, sporadic clumps of a pink flowering scrambling rose (Rosa ‘Dorothy Perkins) in the vicinity of an old moiety fence line (between the third and fourth moieties) and a single clump of a shrub rose to the west of the Blue Box.
Presumed older plantings located near the house include a Peppercorn Tree (Schinus areira), Roman Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) (refer to Figure 3.3) and a California Fan Palm (Washingtonia filifera). A lone Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) is located at the gated entry to the third moiety (refer to figure 3.4).
A cypress lies along the fence line between the house and the group of gums. There are also several White Poplar (Populus alba) seedlings nearby. Other plantings located adjacent to the norrth of the house include a Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstoemia indica) and a Monterey Pine (Pinus radiata).
To the east of the house, a recent plantation of indigenous species has been added across the lower terrace – within the second moiety - between an existing group of Forest Red Gums and the creek line.
To the southeast of the house (and on a broad flat terrace within the third moiety), the former fruit tree orchard includes a large Mulberry (Morus alba) Apple cultivars, Nectarine, Plum and Apricot trees along with a central Peppercorn Tree and, as a lone outlying specimen, a small unidentified fruit tree (refer to Figure 3.5). Based on review of the site’s history it may be that the orchard was planted by Athol Colless Howell in which case it may have been planted in the first half of the 20th century. This period appears to be consistent with the general age of most of the plant material.
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There is a line of River Oaks (Casuarina cunninghamiana) along a former fence line to the west of the house. This may have been planted as a wind break (refer to Figure 3.6). Weed species on the site include African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) near, for example, the line of River Oaks, Blackberry (Rubus sp.) to the north of the Blux Box and the poplar seedlings near the outlying cypress along the fence between the second and third moieties.
Other introduced species – including planted ones – could be regarded as nuisance species. These include Willows (Salix sp.) along the former Cranebrook Creek within the fourth moiety and the Gleditsia regrowth to the rear of the house.
The present entry off Smith Road is through a cutting in a bank and runs east of a subdivisional fence line before turning west and approaching the house through the group of gums. Although speculative, an earlier site entry is more likely to have come from the north along the ridge line on which the house and outbuildings are sited.
Refer to sketch plans showing the survey of plantings located in the vicinity of the house (Figure 3.7) and in the wider landscape (Figure 3.8).
Figure 3.1 A recent plantation of indigenous species (Forest Red Gums) located to the east of the house on a lower terrace. The track in the foreground leads to Smith Road Physical Survey Nov 2011
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Figure 3.2 A lone mature Blue Box to the south of the house Physical Survey Nov 2011
Figure 3.3 Plantings located at the rear of house include a Roman Cypress (left) and Peppercorn Tree (right). Part rear wall of Shed 1 is to the left of the image Physical Survey Nov 2011
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Figure 3.4 A lone Monterey Cypress located at the gated entry to the third moiety. The stump of a Cypress removed post 2006 is located on the left side of the gate Physical Survey Nov 2011
Peppercorn Tree Orchard Trees
Figure 3.5 View to the southeast of the house of remnant orchard trees (centre) and a lone Peppercorn Tree within the third moiety (left of centre) Physical Survey Nov 2011
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Figure 3.6 A line of River Oaks along a former fence line to the west of the house Physical Survey Nov 2011
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Figure 3.7 Plant species in the vicinity of 43 Smith Road house with TZA amendments Source: Geoffrey Britton Physical Survey, 2006
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Figure 3.8 Plant species in the wider landscape with TZA amendments Source: Geoffrey Britton Physical Survey, 2006
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3.2.3 Views
Significant long range views to and from the place identified by Geoffrey Britton are to nearby traditional neighbours within the valley, including Hadley Park to the south and Landers Inn along Castlereagh Road.
Landers Inn
Figure 3.9 View towards Landers Inn from Smith Road house Physical Survey Nov 2011
Hadley Park
Figure 3.10 View to the south of Hadley Park from Smith Road house Physical Survey Nov 2011
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43 Smith Road Dwelling
Figure 3.11 View towards 43 Smith Road from Landers Inn Physical Survey Nov 2011
Figure 3.12 View towards 43 Smith Road from Hadley Park
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3.3 Components of the Site
Extant development within the site includes an early twentieth century house, portable shed, two sheds, and dairy with shed addition located on the highest level of the site. The following sections provide a general description of the above development. In addition, a detailed physical survey was carried out of the house, and has been recorded on an accompanying floor plan at the end of this section.
3.3.1 House
Orientated in an east-west direction with the entrance facing Old Castlereagh Road, the house is a single-storey early twentieth-century building constructed with original mass concrete walls. There is an original L – shaped veranda with altered balustrade and veranda posts. The original render finish externally is lined out to simulate ashlar coursing. The house has an original rendered plinth to the front elevation and veranda.
Front of house (Spaces G1-G4 and G11) has a mid-twentieth century moderate-pitched hipped roof clad with non-original Marseilles terracotta tiles and non-original boxed eaves lined with fibre cement sheet. Refer to Figures 3.13 and 3.14.
Back of house (Spaces G5-G10 and G12) has an early twenty-first century skillion roof with non-original metal sheeting. There are original parapets to the north and south elevations. Refer to Figures 3.15 and 3.16.
The house has original and recently reconstructed double-hung windows, an original entrance timber door case with sidelights and fanlight, an original timber French door case and original and reconstructed internal timber door cases. An original chimney altered in the mid twentieth century survives, while two other chimneys have been removed - possibly in the mid twentieth century when the pitched roof was rebuilt.
There is original and reconstructed plaster wall finishes internally. Space G3 in the front of house has an original suspended timber framed floor with tongue and groove floor boards. Flooring and framing in other front and back of house spaces has been removed in the early twenty-first century. Refer to figures 3.17 to 3.39.
Figure 3.13 View of east elevation and north elevation Physical Survey Nov 2011
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Figure 3.14 View of south elevation and east elevation Physical Survey Nov 2011
Figure 3.15 View of west elevation and south elevation Physical Survey Nov 2011
Figure 3.16 View of west elevation and part north elevation Physical Survey 2011
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Figure 3.17 Space G1 and view of original door case and double hung window Physical Survey Nov 2011
Figure 3.18 Space G1 and view of original window case Physical Survey Nov 2011
Figure 3.19 Space G1 and view of original plaster ceiling rose Physical Survey Nov 2011
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Figure 3.20 Space G2 and view of original entrance door case Physical Survey Nov 2011
Figure 3.21 Space G3 and original door case and fireplace Physical Survey Nov 2011
Figure 3.22 Space G3 and late twentieth century window case Physical Survey Nov 2011
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Figure 3.23 Space G4 and original fireplace and chimney breast. Note floor removed Physical Survey Nov 2011
Figure 3.24 Space G4 and original door case Physical Survey Nov 2011
Figure 3.25 Space G6 and original fireplace. Note floor removed Physical Survey Nov 2011
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Figure 3.26 Space G5 and altered door opening Physical Survey Nov 2011
Figure 3.27 Space G7 view of south wall Physical Survey Nov 2011
Figure 3.28 Space G7 and view of boarded ceiling Physical Survey Nov 2011
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Figure 3.29 Space G8 and view of original window case. Note removed ceiling lining Physical Survey Nov 2011
Figure 3.30 Space G8 and view of original door case Physical Survey Nov 2011
Figure 3.31 Space G9 and view of reconstructed window frame and sashes Physical Survey Nov 2011
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Figure 3.32 Space G9 and original panel door leaf. Note removed floor Physical Survey Nov 2011
Figure 3.33 Space G10 and reconstructed window frame and ashes. Note removed floor Physical Survey Nov 2011
Figure 3.34 Space G10 and original door case Physical Survey Nov 2011
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Figure 3.35 Space G11 and original window case, and door cases. Note removed floor Physical Survey Nov 2011
Figure 3.36 Space G11 and view of Space G2 door case (left) and Space G4 door case (centre of image) Physical Survey Nov 2011
Figure 3.37 Space G12 and view towards the east Physical Survey Nov 2011
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Figure 3.38 Space G12 and view of Space G6 door case (left) and Space G7 door case (right) Physical Survey Nov 2011
Figure 3.39 Space G12 and view of Space G8 door case (left) and Space G9 door case (right) Physical Survey Nov 2011
3.3.1.1 Survey of Physical Fabric
The following plan indicates in detail the results of a physical survey carried out in November 2011 to describe the period, evolution and changes which have been made to the fabric of the house and with a view to better understand the integrity of the building (i.e. intactness).
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The following abbreviations are used in the survey of physical fabric:
AD Adapted FLR Floor SL Slate AL Aluminium FOH Front of House RWH Rainwater head ALT Altered FP Fire place S Sash A Architrave GL Glazed SA Sash lift BALUST Balustrade GR Grate SL Sash lock BC Base course HD Head SACR Sacrificial render BF Box frame HO Hopper SALV Salvaged BK Brick HTH Hearth SB Sill board BLKD Blocked HWD Hardwood SECT Section BN Bullnose HWR Hardware SH Shelves BRK Broken I Iron SHUT Shutters BS Bottom sash INS Insulated SLD Sliding BSN Basin INT Introduced SLS Side light sashes C/S Course INTER Intermediate STL Steel CAS Casement JOIN Joinery STN Stone CB Chimney breast LAV Lavatory T Top CO Cornice LIN Lining TC Terracotta CBD Cupboard LINO Linoleum TD Trap door CI Cast iron LBS Ledged, braced and TEMP Temporary CLNG Ceiling sheeted TH Threshold COL Column LOUV Louvre TIL Tiled CONC Concrete LS Ledged and sheeted TIMB Timber COR Corrugated MA Man hole TS Top sash CP Chimney piece MAS Masonry TSM Transom CPT Carpet MCONC Mass concrete UOS Unless Otherwise D Door MBL Marble Scheduled DC Door case MS Mild steel V Vertical DEM Demolished OP Opening WC Window case DF Door frame P Panel WF Window frame DL Door leaf PARQ Parquetry WID Widened DP Down pipe PICR Picture rail WL Wall DPC Damp proof course PL Plaster WP Wall paper ELECT Electrical PLB Plaster board WLIN Window lining ENCL Enclosure PPT Parapet ENL Enlarged POS Possible EV Evidence PROB Probable EXT External PTN Partition F&S Framed & sheeted R Ramp F Frame RC Reinforced concrete FFL Finished floor level REC Reconstructed FIB Fibrous REL Relocated FIN Finished REM Removed TIME PERIODS:- FIX Fixed REMT Remnant FITS Fitting(s) REND Rendered O Original (1900-1902) FL Fanlight RES Restored E Early (1903-1952) FLC Fanlight case REV Reveal M Mid (1953-1975) FLF Fanlight frame RSJ Rolled steel joist L Late (1976-2011)
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Figure 3.40 Physical survey of 43 Smith Road house Physical Survey Nov 2011 Base Plan: Truman, Zaniol & Associates Pty Ltd
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3.3.2 Outbuildings
3.3.2.1 Portable Shed
Located to the northwest of the house is a small mid-twentieth century timber framed portable shed with corrugated iron clad external walls and skillion roof. Internal walls are clad in battened asbestos cement sheeting (refer to Figure 3.43).
Figure 3.43 Mid-twentieth century portable shed. The concrete slab of a removed garage is evident in the foreground Physical Survey Nov 2011
3.3.2.2 Shed 1
Located immediately to the north of the portable shed is a mid-twentieth century shed which is open at its eastern end. It has a timber framed pan deck skillion roof, metal posts and rails, and corrugated iron clad walls. There are catalogued moveable heritage items located in and around the shed (refer to Figure 3.44).
Figure 3.44 View of mid-twentieth century Shed 1 Physical Survey Nov 2011
3.3.2.3 Shed 2
Attached to Shed 1 is a mid-twentieth century shed with walls and gable roof clad with corrugated iron sheeting. The building is open to the east. Timber framing consists of circular timber posts and milled hardwood rails. Milled rafters are also of hardwood. There are catalogued moveable heritage items located in and around the shed. To the rear of
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the shed is a concrete pad for a water tank. Adjacent to this shed are three portable steel containers (refer to Figure 3.45).
Figure 3.45 View of mid twentieth century Shed 2 Physical Survey Nov 2011
3.3.2.4 Dairy
The dairy comprises a milk store and milking shed, small holding yard and an attached storage shed. The mid-twentieth century concrete block milk store has a corrugated iron gable roof and asbestos cement internal and external battened linings. Located on the western side of the store is a concrete pad for a water tank. Adjacent to the milk store is a early to mid-twentieth century four-stall milking shed which has a concrete floor, concrete block dwarf walls, mini orb corrugated iron wall linings fixed to milled timber framing, and a timber framed gable roof clad with corrugated iron. There is a timber framed breezeway located between the milk store and milking shed. To the south of the dairy is a small holding yard with concrete hardstand and late twentieth century metal gates and barriers. Attached to the north side of the milk shed is a late twentieth century storage shed with circular timber posts and metal truss skillion roof clad with pan-deck sheeting. There are no walls or flooring (refer to Figures 3.46 and Figure 3.47).
Figure 3.46 View of south and west elevations and holding yard of mid-twentieth century dairy Physical Survey Nov 2011
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Figure 3.47 Late twentieth-century shed attached to north elevation of dairy Physical Survey Nov 2011
3.3.2.5 Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous remnant fabric around the place include sandstone flagging and a circular depression/outline of a well located to the north of the house; a narrow mass concrete slab located to the south of the house; a second mass concrete slab located to the southwest of the house; northwest of the house beyond a fence line is a mass concrete slab, water trough and timber post and rail cattle yards. Beyond the trough to the north are two silage pits and a larger concrete slab.
3.4 Moveable Heritage
Located in and around the storage sheds is remnant farm machinery and salvaged (off site) building material including bricks, corrugated iron sheeting and timber framing etc. Some of the machinery is tagged. There is also salvaged building material stored in three shipping containers.
3.5 Archaeology
The following table in Figure 3.48 is drawn from the Smith Road Residence Archaeology Handbook, 2008 for the place. It summarises the kinds of relics that may survive in different parts of the place, their integrity and archaeological potential, and potential archaeological significance at a Local level.
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Figure 3.48 Table drawn from the 43 Smith Road Residence Archaeology Handbook, Godden Mackay Logan, 2008
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4.0 SIGNIFICANCE ANALYSIS
4.1 Integrity of the Place
4.1.1 Setting
Sand and gravel quarrying from the late twentieth century to the present has dramatically changed the natural and cultural landscape within the Scheme area. Beyond the boundaries of the place physical evidence of land forms and uses have been removed apart from those located within conservation zones set aside by PLDC. With the cessation of quarrying in the near future, the landscape adjacent to the place will be further changed with the construction of the proposed Wildlife Lake.
With the boundaries of the place defined as a conservation zone in 1997 in the DA 4 heritage assessment by Siobhan Lavelle, distinctive features of the Kennedy grant area identified by Geoffrey Britton have been retained, including the elevated topography in the central part of the site, the curving drainage channels and the lower terraces. Quarrying activity in much of the remaining grant area has removed land forms, cultural landscape, evidence of former uses, remnant rural structures and fence lines.
Due to its prominent position on an elevated ridge top, there are important view lines to traditional neighbours within the Scheme area including Hadley Park to the south and Landers Inn to the southeast where earlier familial relationships linked the grant areas.
4.1.2 Cultural Landscape
According to Geoffrey Britton much of the surviving cultural landscape fabric from the site’s farming phases appears to be from the first half of the twentieth century. This includes remnant plantings around the house curtilage, several fruit trees within an old orchard located to the southeast of the house, and a line of River Oaks to the west of the house.
There are notable indigenous tree species located within the subject site including a group of large Forest Red Gums located to the east of the house and a large Blue Box to the south of the house.
There are also important remnant fence line alignments across the site which interpret the original grant boundaries, and the four early moieties. These include the entire northern (Smith Road) and western (Nepean River) alignments, and parts of the eastern (Castlereagh Road) and southern alignments.
4.1.3 Dwelling
This mass concrete dwelling was constructed by George Howell in 1900-02 as previously noted in Section 2.5.2. The building’s original planning and use as a residence is largely intact and is able to be interpreted, albeit kitchen, bathroom and laundry fixtures have been recently removed, and the original courtyard has been enclosed with a recent skillion roof. As a design element the courtyard is not unique to the Federation period, it being a feature more associated with Victorian and earlier rural dwellings. Up to the mid twentieth century the architectural detailing of the house would have been substantially intact. Substantial changes to the residence occurred in the mid to late twentieth century with the
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loss of the original front of house roof and veranda and their reinstatement in a different configuration and architectural detailing, and enclosing the courtyard with a new roof as previously noted.
The house has recently been partly conserved, which has included installing a damp proof course, and conservation of wall finishes affected by rising damp. Significant door and window cases, solid plaster skirting and lath and plaster ceilings were restored and reconstructed. Construction of a recent skillion roof over the entire back of house has somewhat compromised interpretation of what would have originally been a inner courtyard. Other recent works include new eaves soffit linings, Colourbond quadrant eaves gutters and rectangular downpipes and installation of a rain water tank at the rear.
As part of the above works, deteriorated original suspended timber floors and mid to late twentieth century kitchen, bathroom and laundry fixtures and fittings in the house were removed.
4.1.4 Outbuildings
The sheds (1 and 2) and dairy as identified in the physical survey are probably associated with Athol Colless Howell, who had established and operated an orchard, market garden and dairy on the site in the first half of the twentieth century. Generally all of the outbuildings including the portable shed, sheds 1 and 2 and dairy are reasonably intact, but appear not to have been subject to routine maintenance.
4.2 Comparative Analysis
The planning of the house is typical of a late Victorian period rural dwelling where originally back of house spaces would have contained a kitchen, scullery, ablutions, laundry and servant’s accommodation etc. arranged around a central courtyard; and front of house contained the entrance hall, dining room, parlour with French doors onto the veranda, and principal bedrooms.
4.2.1 Comparison with Contemporary Mass Concrete Dwellings in Penrith Lakes Scheme Area
Other dwellings (demolished) known to have existed within the Penrith Lakes Scheme area which displayed mass concrete construction characteristics include the following1:
Parker’s Homestead Mass concrete structure on Portion 70. Mass concrete ruins Mass concrete house ruins on Portion 280. Mass concrete house Mass concrete house on Portion 55. Judges cottage Mass concrete cottage on Portion 46.
Other demolished dwellings located within the Scheme area (listed in sources other than the above) which have been identified as displaying mass concrete construction characteristics include:
Farm Complex (1902) Mass concrete house on Portion 42 (DP 63308) 2
1 Godden Mackay Logan, Penrith Lakes Scheme Conservation Management Plan, 2010, p. 52 2 Lavelle, S., A. Bickford & Assoc., & The Nepean District Historical Archaeological Group, 1997, DA 4 Management Study Heritage Assessment, Penrith Lakes Scheme Area, Castlereagh, Inventory Report for RES No. 29. The inventory report notes a construction date of 1902. It is probable the dwelling was built in 1900 before the mass concrete dwelling built on Lot 420 of Portion 42.. See Stedinger Associates Pty Ltd, Mass Concrete House at 43 Smith Road, Castlereagh - A Conservation Management Plan & Outline Schedule of Works, p..29.
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The Penrith Lakes Scheme CMP states ‘the number of mass concrete houses found within the Scheme area suggests that this was a popular construction technique which used large river pebbles and sand found abundantly in the concrete mix in this area.’3
The author concurs with the above assessment, and adds that the place now appears to be the only extant example located within the Penrith Lakes Scheme area, and is not aware of any other comparable examples within the Castlereagh Valley.
4.2.2 Comparison with Contemporary Mass Concrete Dwellings Outside Penrith Lakes Scheme Area
Other extant dwellings located outside of the Penrith Lakes Scheme area identified as displaying mass concrete construction characteristics similar to 43 Smith Road include the following:4
Smoky Cape Lighthouse Mass concrete Head Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage & Group (c1888): Assistant Keeper’s mass concrete conjoined cottages Oybin, Annandale A grand Victorian Free Classical Style mass concrete dwelling. Part of the Witches Houses precinct.
The above noted examples contemporary with the place were identified in the extensive NSW Heritage Branch database.
As a construction technique, mass concrete was used extensively throughout NSW in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries for lighthouses, sewerage aqueducts, reservoirs, bridges and dams etc.
4.3 Outbuildings
4.3.1 Portable Shed
The provenance of this mid-twentieth century portable shed is not known, but it is highly probable it was brought onto the subject site in the late twentieth century. It appears to a typical example of a facility used for storing materials and/or providing amenity for rural workers.
4.3.2 Shed 1
This mid twentieth century metal post and corrugated iron clad rural building is typical and common agricultural structure of the period.
4.3.3 Shed 2
As a mid-twentieth century timber post and gabled storage shed clad with corrugated iron, the construction of this utilitarian building is typical of the period and is a common rural agricultural structure.
3 Godden Mackay Logan, Penrith lakes Scheme Conservation Management Plan, 2010, p. 50 4 Stewart Watters, Heritage Branch, Office of Environment and Heritage undertook an advanced search of all 60,000 records in their database. ‘Mass concrete’ terminology was used as the key word search for the period 1880 – 1920.
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4.3.4 Dairy
The mid-twentieth century diary with late twentieth century shed addition is typical of the period, with its concrete block and corrugated iron construction and standard layout for a small-scale dairy operation.
4.4 Criteria for Significance
Generally the assessment of significance for this report has been prepared using the Burra Charter as a basis, and with reference to the guidelines set out by the NSW Heritage Office for assessing heritage significance.
4.4.1 Heritage Assessment Criteria
To determine whether the place meets the threshold for listing on the State Heritage Register, the assessment of significance needs to be considered with regard to criteria established under the NSW Heritage Act, 1977 (as amended).
Two levels of significance are used: ‘State significance’ means significance in the NSW context, and ‘local significance’ meaning significance within the local area context.
The NSW Heritage Act includes seven criteria against which significance is assessed:
a) an item is important in the course, or pattern, of NSW’s cultural or natural history (or the cultural or natural history of the local area);
b) an item has strong or special association with the life or works of a person, or group of persons, of importance in NSW’s cultural or natural history (or the cultural or natural history of the local area);
c) an item is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in NSW (or the local area);
d) an item has strong or special associations with a particular community or cultural group in NSW (or the local area) for social, cultural or spiritual reasons;
e) an item has potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of NSW’s cultural or natural history (or the cultural or natural history of the local area);
f) an item possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of NSW’s cultural or natural history (or the cultural or natural history of the local area);
g) an item is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of NSW’s (or a class of the local area’s) cultural or natural places; or cultural or natural environments.
4.4.2 NSW Historic Themes
With regard to section 2 of this report, reference is made to themes established by the Heritage Branch, Office of Environment & Heritage that can be identified as applying to
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the subject site and its history. These are listed below, with relevant aspects of significance noted in section 4.4.2:
Convict: The Census of 1828 recorded two convicts assigned to Donald Kennedy’s farm. Convicts were a common feature of colonial farms in the Castlereagh district.
Agriculture: The place is one of a number of rural properties in the Castlereagh district where land was cultivated. From 1803 to the mid 1970’s the owners and occupiers of the place pursued cropping, grazing, dairying, orchards and livestock. Some of these land uses can be interpreted in the extant farm outbuildings and fence lines today.
Land tenure: The place is one of a number of grants made along the Nepean River by Governor King in 1803. From that time up to the mid 1970’s when intensive sand and gravel quarrying commenced, the agricultural landscape of the area remained largely unchanged.
Mining: Sand and gravel quarrying in and around the Nepean River has been a dominant industry in the Castlereagh since the 1880s. Portions of Grant 42 were sold off in the mid 1970’s for quarrying.
Environment – Cultural landscape: The place in its remnant fence lines, cleared land, plantings and buildings demonstrates over 200 years of European use.
4.4.3 Heritage Assessment Criteria
Criterion A: Historical Significance
an item is important in the course, or pattern, of NSW’s cultural or natural history (or the cultural or natural history of the local area)
The place is located in Portion 42, which is one of a series of land grants made by Governor King along the Nepean River in 1803.
Along with a number of extant properties along the Nepean River near the township of Castlereagh including Hadley Park, Nepean Park and Landers Inn, the place is typical of the settlement that occurred in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries comprising cropping, grazing, dairying, market farming and orchards.
The extant buildings and cultural landscape elements provide evidence of the historical development of the place in the first half of the twentieth century, including the early twentieth century extant mass concrete dwelling, and mid- twentieth century outbuildings and dairy. In this period Athol Colless Howell established a successful citrus orchard on the property, grew vegetables and began dairy farming.
The remnant fence alignments are an important record of early farm layouts within Portion 42
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Criterion B: Historical Associations
an item has strong or special association with the life or works of a person, or group of persons, of importance in NSW’s cultural or natural history (or the cultural or natural history of the local area)
The place is associated with the original grant holder Donald Kennedy and the descendants of his pioneering family (Kennedy/Ritchie/Howell) from 1803 to 1965.
The location of the place in Portion 42 has historical associations with Governor King, who made 31 land grants near the Nepean River in 1803.
Criterion C: Aesthetic Significance
an item is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in NSW (or the local area)
There are some notable mature indigenous tree specimens located within the place including Forest Red Gums and Blue Box.
There are some notable introduced landscape elements associated with occupation of the place in the early twentieth century located adjacent to the house including Monterey Pine, Cypresses, Roman Cypress, California Fan Palm, Crepe Myrtle and Peppercorn. Beyond the home paddock there is a remnant early twentieth century orchard.
Criterion D: Social Significance
an item has strong or special associations with a particular community or cultural group in NSW (or the local area) for social, cultural or spiritual reasons
It is probable the place would have some special meaning for the descendants of the pioneering Kennedy family and local heritage organizations.
Criterion E: Scientific Significance
an item has potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of NSW’s cultural or natural history (or the cultural or natural history of the local area)
The extant Blue Box demonstrates a component of the floodplain botany according to Geoffrey Britton.
Criterion F: Rarity
an item possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of NSW’s cultural or natural history (or the cultural or natural history of the local area)
The mass concrete construction of the extant dwelling is a locally rare surviving example of a once relatively common building technique in the Castlereagh area.
The remnant orchard is a relatively rare example of a surviving remnant valley farm orchard.
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There are rare indigenous tree species including Eucalyptus baueriana (Blue Gum) and Eucalyptus tereticornis (Forest Red Gums) located within the place.
Criterion G: Representativeness
an item is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of NSW’s (or a class of the local area’s) cultural or natural places; or cultural or natural environments.
The place is a representative example of an early twentieth century dwelling displaying mass concrete construction technique in the Castlereagh Valley.
4.5 Archaeological Significance
Reference is made to Section 4 Archaeological Potential in Penrith Lakes Scheme Smith Road Residence Archaeology Handbook, 2008 draft report prepared by Godden Mackay Login Pty Ltd.
The archaeological potential of various remains were identified at the subject site, with the majority of items noted as having a ‘Low’ to ‘Moderate’ archaeological potential including evidence of land clearing, possible remains of original timber slab cottage mentioned in a 1902 property valuation, deposits and artefacts around the extant house, waste disposal and former landscaping such as paths, steps and driveways etc.
The top of a well visible to the north of the northwest corner of the house is considered to be of High archaeological potential, and of Moderate to High Local significance depending on the date of construction.
4.5.1 Summary Statement of Significance
‘Archaeological significance’ refers to the heritage significance of archaeological relics (known or potential). The report noted in Section 4.5 assesses the place to be of Local archaeological significance for the following reasons:
It demonstrates phases of use from the earliest non-Aboriginal settlement through to the late twentieth century (historical significance).
It has associations with early settlers Donald Kennedy and the Howell family (associative significance).
It is located in a picturesque rural setting with expansive views (aesthetic significance).
It may contain archaeological relics dating to the first land grant (scientific significance).
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5.0 Statement of Cultural Significance
5.1 Primary Significance
The primary significance of 43 Smith Road is embodied in the construction technique of the substantially intact early twentieth century mass concrete dwelling. Although this building technique was relatively common in the Castlereagh district, the dwelling located at 43 Smith Road is now considered a rear surviving example within the Castlereagh Valley.
5.2 Secondary Significance
The place is also significant for the following values:
5.2.1 Historical Significance
The place is located in the central part of Portion 42, which was one of a series of land grants made by Governor Macquarie along the Nepean River in 1803.
The remnant boundary lines and fence alignments are tangible physical evidence of the original 1803 Kennedy grant boundary and later subdivisions which occurred from the 1860’s. These include the entire northern (Smith Road) and western (Nepean River) alignments and parts of the eastern (Castlereagh Road) and southern alignments.
Key view lines remain to traditional neighbours within the valley including Hadley Park to the south and Landers Inn along Old Castlereagh Road, where earlier familial relationships linked these former grant areas.
Extant outbuildings located in the central part of the former Kennedy grant provide evidence of a number of phases in the historical development of the place, particularly the early twentieth century demonstrated by two sheds and dairy.
The elevated topography in the central part of the place and the circuitous drainage channels on the lowlands are distinctive features of the former Kennedy grant area.
5.2.2 Social Significance
Due to the rarity of the mass concrete construction technique displayed in the dwelling, the place would likely be of interest to local heritage aficionados and heritage organizations including the Nepean District Historical Archaeological Group, Nepean District Historical Society and National Trust of Australia (Parramatta Branch).
5.2.3 Aesthetic Significance
The prominent position of the dwelling located on an elevated ridge-top afforded views to traditional neighbours within the valley including Hadley Park and Landers Inn.
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There are significant early twentieth century plantings that survive around the dwelling including Cypresses, California Fan Palm, Monterey Pine, Roman Cypress and Peppercorn Tree.
There are notable mature indigenous tree specimens located within the site including Forest Red Gums and Blue Box.
5.2.4 Scientific (Technical/Research) Significance
The extant Blue Box demonstrates a component of the floodplain botany.
The substantially intact mass concrete dwelling contributes to an understanding of an early twentieth century construction technique which is now relatively rare in the Castlereagh Valley.
5.3 Curtilage
The Conservation Zone that defines the place was recommended in the DA 4 heritage assessment by Siobhan Lavelle in 1997. The implementation of the Conservation Zone (which excludes quarrying activity) includes the elevated central part of the former Kennedy grant area to the north of the broadly circular creek line. It includes original boundary lines along the entire northern (Smith Road) and western (Nepean River) alignments and parts of the eastern (Castlereagh Road) and southern alignments.
Located within this curtilage is the early 20th century mass concrete house, outbuildings, dairy and remnant fencing. As previously noted in section 3 and section 4, there are significant indigenous and introduced trees within the Conservation Zone.
5.4 Grades of Significance
The following sections will identify relative levels of significance which have been attributed to components of the place that have been identified from the statement of significance and physical survey. In this regard the relative levels of significance and sensitivity have been determined on an understanding of the following:
- Original fabric at the time of construction, and fabric of subsequent phases. - Relative integrity. - Relative importance of individual elements in their own right. - Importance to the historical understanding of the place. - Relative importance of the space to the significance of the places.
The grades of significance will not determine the policy of what should happen to the place, but give the reader an understanding at a glance what the more sensitive and significant spaces and elements of the place are, based on significance alone.
From this identification, other constraints affecting the place will be analysed in consideration of what opportunities arise and in the determination of conservation policies for the place.
The criteria for ranking of graded significance are as shown in Table 5.1 below:
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Grade Justification Status
Exceptional (E) Rare, original or outstanding element directly contributing Fulfils criteria for local item’s local significance. listing. High degree of intactness. Item can be interpreted relatively easily. Demonstrates a key element of the item’s significance.
High (H) High degree of significant fabric. Fulfils criteria for local Demonstrates a key element of the item’s significance. listing. Alterations do not detract from significance.
Moderate (M) Altered or modified rare, original or outstanding elements. Fulfils criteria for local Elements with little heritage value, but which contribute to listing. the overall significance of the item.
Little (L) Alterations detract from significance. Difficult to interpret. Does not fulfil criteria for local listing
Intrusive (I) Damaging to the item’s heritage significance. Does not fulfil criteria for local listing.
5.4.1 Site Elements
In Table 5.2 below the standard grades of significance noted in Table 5.1 are applied to the particular elements of 43 Smith Road:
Grade Application to 43 Smith Road Site Components
Exceptional (E) Early twentieth century mass concrete dwelling.
High (H) View lines to Hadley Park and Landers Inn. Original lot boundary and moieties, indicated by remnant fence lines. Elevated topography in the centre of the site and the drainage channels on the lowlands. Early 20th century plantings around the dwelling and mature indigenous tree specimens.
Moderate (M) Mid-twentieth century outbuildings including two sheds adjacent to dwelling, and dairy.
Little (L) Portable shed and late twentieth century shed addition to dairy. Concrete floor to garage (demolished). Miscellaneous surface remains including concrete slabs, silage pits and cattle yards.
Intrusive (I) No intrusive elements identified.
5.4.2 Dwelling
In Table 5.3 below criteria for ranking of graded significance for the 43 Smith Road dwelling as shown on the plan (refer to Figure 5.1) are as follows:
Grade Application to 43 Smith Road dwelling
Exceptional (E) Original fabric and spaces, relatively intact.
High (H) Early (1903 – 1952) fabric, spaces and alterations. Original fabric and spaces with some alterations. Reconstructed fabric introduced in the early 21st century. Possible archaeology (evidence of previous use).
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Moderate (M) Mid 20th century period fabric, spaces and alterations. Early fabric with some alterations. Original fabric and spaces with substantial alterations.
Little (L) Later period fabric, spaces and alterations. Early fabric with some alterations. Original fabric with substantial alterations.
Intrusive (I) Later period fabric, spaces and alterations which obscures significance.
Figure 5.1 Graded elements of significance for 43 Smith Road house Source: Truman, Zaniol & Associates Note: For period of fabric denoted by capitol letter in circle refer to Section 3.3.1.1
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6.0 Identification of Constraints and Opportunities
6.1 Introduction
The following sections deal with the identification of constraints and opportunities for future management of the place which may affect future decisions. The intention is to identify as many factors which affect the place as possible and analyse the issues relevant to each constraint or opportunity. From the identification of these constraints, development of conservation policy guidelines (Section 7) will analyse the resultant issues to arrive at a statement of conservation policy guidelines (Section 8) which will determine what should happen to the place in the future.
6.2 Constraints Arising from the Statement of Significance
As identified in Section 5, 43 Smith Road has been assessed as having cultural significance at a Local level. The significance of the place relates primarily to the rarity of the mass concrete construction technique of the early twentieth century house.
Conserving fabric on the basis of significance, procedures for decision making and any implementation of works and activities should be guided by appropriate conservation practices such as that noted in the Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance – The Burra Charter. As a result, where possible related to the significance of the place, the following should be undertaken:
.1 Significant fabric of the house should be preserved and continue to be maintained to enable the community to continually interpret the place as a locally rare example of an early twentieth century house displaying mass concrete construction technique.
.2 Retain out-buildings in any future development of the site where feasible.
.3 Retain remnant fence alignments as tangible evidence of the original 1803 Donald Kennedy grant and later subdivisions.
.4 Retain significant visual connections between the place and key aspects of its setting. These include views to Hadley Park and Landers Inn.
.5 Retain significant cultural and indigenous landscape elements.
.6 Manage the archaeological potential of the site.
6.3 Owner’s Requirements
With the completion of sand and gravel quarrying at Penrith Lakes in the near future, the land of the Scheme area will be transferred out of PLDC ownership. Development consents for the quarry operations place obligations on PLDC in relation to heritage items located within the Scheme area. As noted in Section 6.6 below, PLDC carried out conservation works to the dwelling at 43 Smith Road recently. While PLDC have no specific requirements for the place at the present time, ongoing conservation and enhancement of the significance of the dwelling is considered paramount.
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Following completion of quarry operations, the northern portion of the Scheme area will be transformed into a Wildlife Lake that will stretch from Old Castlereagh Road to the Nepean River. 43 Smith Road will border the northern edge of the lake. A large portion of the original Portion 42 allotment which is currently being mined will become part of the Wildlife Lake, with the area comprising the Smith Road Conservation Zone retained.
The location of the mass concrete dwelling within the retained Conservation Zone provides opportunities for futures uses. Potential future uses for 43 Smith Road house include:
• Rural residential use; • Education facility/office; or • Shop, museum or gallery.
Potential use of the site may include low-impact agricultural activities such as horse agistment, market gardening or turf-growing.
6.4 Statutory Requirements
6.4.1 State Environmental Planning Policy (Major Projects) 2005
Penrith Lakes is included in Schedule 2 as a Part 3A project under the SEPP (Major Projects) 2005. The schedule applies to development at Penrith Lakes identified for the purpose of extraction, rehabilitation or lake formation (including associated infrastructure located in or outside that area).
The future development of the Scheme area does constitute a major project under Part 3A of the EPA Act. Therefore, the Minister for Planning is the relevant consent authority. The minister may consult with other relevant authorities (such as the Heritage Branch of the New South Wales Department of Planning) in making a determination on such things as adverse heritage impacts. However, the provisions of the relevant statutes do not apply. Once the minister is satisfied that the state’s strategic planning objectives have been met, the role of consent authority may be devolved back to local government.
An application under part 3A must be supported by an environmental assessment that identifies any adverse impacts. This includes impacts on heritage places. The environmental assessment is a public document and anyone can make a submission to the minister for or against a proposed development. The minister may refuse an application on the grounds that it will result in unacceptable adverse heritage impacts. The minister will carefully consider any submissions made by the Heritage Branch in this regard.
6.4.2 Sydney Regional Environmental Plan 11 – Penrith Lakes Scheme
The Penrith Lakes Scheme is implemented under the provisions of the Sydney Regional Environmental Plan 11 – Penrith Lakes Scheme (SREP 11). SREP 11, gazetted in 1986, was preceded by a Regional Environmental Study which identified the creation of lakes and urban and parkland areas as the preferred means for rehabilitating the site following the completion of sand and gravel extraction. Under the SREP the minister for Planning is the consent authority for extraction, rehabilitation or lake formation. For all other approvals the consent authority is Penrith City Council.
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SREP 11 provides development control processes establishing environmental and technical matters which must be taken into account in implementing the Penrith Lakes Scheme. These include the identification and protection of items of natural and cultural heritage.
43 Smith Road is not identified as a heritage item under SREP 11.
6.4.3 Development Application No. 4
Development Application 4 (DA 4) provides approval for the extraction of sand and gravel from the northern and western parts of the Scheme area (which includes 43 Smith Road). A heritage assessment undertaken by Siobhan Lavelle in August 1997, which assesses the significance of a number of heritage items within the DA 4 extraction area, was submitted in the Statement of Environmental Effects with the Development Application.
The conditions of consent for DA 4 included preparation of a conservation management plan for the Mass Concrete House at 95 Castlereagh Road, Castlereagh (also known as 43 Smith Road).
6.4.4 New South Wales Heritage Council
The Heritage Act, 1977, was established to conserve the environmental heritage of the State which is seen to include buildings, works, relics, or places which are of historic, scientific, cultural, social, archaeological, architectural, natural or aesthetic significance for the State.
The Heritage Act established the Heritage Council of NSW as the State Government statutory body for heritage matters, which implements conservation mechanisms and other measures for the conservation of the State’s heritage.
State Heritage Register
The Heritage Act was amended in 1999 to (amongst other things) establish a State Heritage Register (SHR). Essentially this is a register of items of state significance as determined by the Heritage Council under criteria set by them. Items listed in the SHR are controlled by the Heritage Act and (with certain exemptions) require Heritage Council approval to undertake works to the nominated items.
For an item to be placed on the State Heritage Register it has to meet one or more of the following criteria:- a) an item is important in the course, or pattern, of NSW’s cultural or natural history; b) an item has strong or special association with the life or works of a person, or group of persons, of importance in NSW’s cultural or natural history; c) an item is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree or technical achievement in NSW; d) an item has strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group in NSW for social, cultural or spiritual reasons; e) an item has potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of NSW’s cultural or natural history;
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f) an item possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of NSW’s cultural or natural history; g) an item is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of NSW’s - cultural or natural places; or - cultural or natural environments
An item is not to be excluded from the Register on the grounds that items with similar characteristics have already been listed on the Register.
43 Smith Road is not listed on the State Heritage Register.
Having regard to the criteria for inclusion in the State Heritage Register as noted above, and from the statement of significance noted in Section 5, 43 Smith Road does not qualify in any of criteria for listing on the State Heritage Register.
Archaeological Relics
An archaeological relic is defined under the Act as any deposit, object or material evidence which relates to the settlement of the area that comprises New South Wales, not being Aboriginal settlement, and is of State or local heritage significance. Under Section 139 a person must not disturb or excavate any land knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect that the disturbance or excavation will or is likely to result in a relic being discovered, exposed, moved, damaged or destroyed unless carried out in accordance with an excavation permit has been issued, the Heritage Council must be informed.
The Smith Road Residence Archaeological Handbook with accompanies the Penrith Lakes Archaeological Management Plan contains detailed assessments of the archaeological sensitivity and significance of the 43 Smith Road site.
Exceptions
Under Section 139 (4) the Heritage Council may permit an exception to the requirement of an excavation permit, subject to conditions.
6.4.5 Penrith Local Environmental Plan 1991 (Environmental Heritage Conservation)
Schedule 2 Part 1 of Penrith Local Environmental Plan lists heritage items and conservations areas located within Penrith local Government Area. Penrith City Council is the consent authority for all works within the Scheme area not included under SEPP Major Development. All works to heritage items other than exempt works, such as routine maintenance and repair, must be submitted to Council for approval.
43 Smith Road is not listed in Schedule 2 Part 1 of Penrith LEP 1991.
6.4.6 National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974
The National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 is the primary legislative framework for the protection and management of Aboriginal heritage in New South Wales.
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While the assessment of Aboriginal heritage is beyond the scope of this report, the subject site is located within a Conservation Area for Aboriginal sites.1
Under this Act an Aboriginal artefact refers to any deposit, object or material evidence (not being a handicraft made for sale) relating to Aboriginal habitation of the area that comprises New South Wales, being habitation before or concurrent with (or both) the occupation of that area by persons of non-Aboriginal extraction, and includes Aboriginal remains (Part 1, Section 5(1)). It includes Aboriginal skeletal remains, either pre-contact in date or not occurring within cemeteries also used by non-Aboriginal people (for example, historic cemeteries).
Under Section 90(1) of the NPW Act it is illegal to destroy, deface or damage an Aboriginal object or place in New South Wales without prior consent of the Director General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Activities which might have an impact on Aboriginal objects (or sites) or Aboriginal places usually require approval of the Director General of the Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) under Section 87 or Section 90 of the Act. For approval under Section 87 a permit is required to disturb, move and/or take possession of an Aboriginal object. Consent under Section 90 is required to destroy, deface or damage an Aboriginal object or place.
6.5 Statutory Requirements and Services Issues
Building regulations such as the Building Code of Australia, Environmental; Planning and Assessment Act, the Local Government Act, Occupational Health & Safety Act, the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and other government instrumentality codes and standards such as Sydney Water Corporation, WorkCover, Energy Australia, Environment Protection Authority, natural Gas and Telecommunication requirements all apply to the place and all have potential impacts upon the significance of the place.
The regulations which usually have particular concern for impact on heritage significance include those of health, amenity, fire protection and safety, disability access, structural adequacy, and occupational health and safety.
Some regulatory authorities have had experience in reconciling heritage considerations with the intent of their regulations, and as such all measures should be taken to resolve conflicts between heritage conservation of the place, and the objectives of relevant legislation.
6.6 Physical Condition
Following recent conservation of the dwelling at 43 Smith Road in 2008/09, in overall terms presently it would be considered to be in good condition. There are some individual elements which will require monitoring, including but not limited to, the sacrificial render applied to internal walls, termite activity, and sub-surface damp conditions. The sheds and dairy are generally in a fair condition.
To ensure the place is well maintained and subject to best conservation practice, a program of routine maintenance should be devised and implemented. To this end a general maintenance plan is included in Section 8 of this report.
1 Conservation Management Plan for Aboriginal Heritage in the Penrith Lakes Scheme Area, J Comber, 2011
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6.7 Opportunities
Whilst the most recent conservation works to the dwelling have encouraged the retention of the significance of the place, further opportunities may be explored for the site.
Opportunities for interpretation of the historic development and evolution of the place can be further explored and enhanced, which improve the public’s understanding of the place. The most recent conservation works have interpreted significant elements of building fabric to a degree, with more scope for further conservation works.
Opportunity to further develop the site with rural residential development would fulfil PLDC’s obligation to create lakes and urban and parkland areas as the preferred means for rehabilitating the Scheme area following the completion of sand and gravel mining.
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7.0 Development of Conservation Policy and Guidelines
7.1 Introduction
Section 6 describes the many issues which are likely to have an effect on decisions for the future of the place. Probably the greatest influence on the future of the place will be through the requirements of the owner, PLDC, as they are the ones who must undertake any works and who are integral with the significance of the place.
The need to conserve and maintain significant fabric and explore further interpretation and development opportunities is to be facilitated in the ongoing management of the place. The above requirements will fulfil PLDC’s key role of preserving and enhancing the cultural heritage of 43 Smith Road.
The following sections will discuss the constraints and opportunities in formulating statements of conservation policy guidelines appropriate for the place in the areas defined under Burra Charter guidelines such as:
• Fabric (including associated spaces) • Setting • Use of the Place • Interpretation • Management • Intervention to Significant Fabric • Future Development • Conservation Procedures • Adoption and Review of Conservation Policy Guidelines
Incorporated within the above heads of consideration, statements of conservation policy guidelines for cultural and indigenous vegetation within the place are also addressed.
These issues are further discussed below.
7.2 Fabric
A considerable part of the significance of the place is contained in the fabric, which includes the dwelling and out buildings and their components and any sub-surface remains or remains as evidence of occupation (e.g. fixtures, fittings, and other archaeology). Conservation policy guidelines for the place should determine the extent of retention and conservation of significant fabric, giving guidance to future management of conservation works.
As a basic principle it is desirable that the place be conserved in accordance with recognised conservation principles and procedures such as those included in the Burra Charter, and in accordance with the conservation policy guidelines of this report. Such conservation includes maintenance, preservation, restoration and reconstruction, and also includes adaptation which can allow modifying a place to suit proposed compatible uses and encourage conservation of significant values of the place.
Although it can be argued that all of the fabric of the place is to some extent significant not all the fabric has such significance so as to warrant conservation as defined by the Burra Charter. Individual buildings, spaces and elements identified in section 5 should be dealt
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with in accordance with their assessed cultural significance. The following grading forms the basis for appropriate conservation processes:
Built elements of Exceptional significance should be conserved. Appropriate conservation processes include preservation, restoration and reconstruction. Intrusive elements should be removed.
Built elements of High significance should be conserved using any of the above conservation processes. Can tolerate adaptation for the retention of heritage values.
Built elements of Moderate significance should be conserved using any of the above conservation processes. Can tolerate adaptation for the retention of heritage values. Demolition should only be considered where conflict with the conservation of buildings of greater significance or where there is no feasible alternative.
Built elements of Little significance may be retained or adapted but do not need to be conserved. Substantial alterations or removal may be acceptable.
Intrusive elements should be preferably removed when possible.
Where there is a conflict between fabric of different significance, then the higher heritage value should be the determining factor in decision making. Regarding the dwelling at 43 Smith Road, recent fit-out such as late twentieth century light fittings and rain water goods for instance are of lesser significance and in some cases obstruct elements and spaces of greater significance.
The significance of the dwelling relates considerably to the original period of construction (i.e. 1900-02) as it was at that time most values of significance were realised. However not all the fabric within the building is significant such as that noted above. Major changes were noted in the late twentieth century whereby considerable significant fabric has been lost during those changes. It is considered that after the Second World War i.e. 1950’s, provides an appropriate cut-off date for practical decisions about retention or otherwise of more recent fabric, given the significant physical impacts and changes made after that time, which can be argued to some degree to have impacted adversely on otherwise significant fabric of the place.
While any significant fabric is in existence, it is desirable that it be maintained where possible, unless less elements of higher significance are to be conserved by their alteration or removal. In addition, fabric reconstructed in accordance with conservation guidelines should also be maintained. Remaining original finishes should be preserved and adapted in accordance with these guidelines.
7.3 Setting
The setting of the place has been compromised by mining of the site since 2006 and major quarrying activities in the area for the past 30 years. Mining has occurred within the low lying areas of the 1803 Portion 42 land grant and up to the western, eastern and southern boundaries of the place. The rural context of the place has been lost and will be further compromised through the creation of the proposed Wildlife Lake.
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7.3.1 Views
Owing to its prominent position on the elevated ridge top to the north of the valley the homestead would have provided excellent viewing prospects to neighbouring properties. The remaining places of note with direct connexions to the mass concrete house group are Hadley Park to the south where there were familial connexions and the adjacent Landers Inn group to the southeast as a close traditional neighbour. Unimpeded visual links between these groups and the elevated homestead should be retained.
7.3.2 Cultural Landscape
An important aspect of significance of this cultural landscape is the record of early farm layout as manifested in its boundaries and many fences and gates. While the alignment of fence lines should be maintained by retaining fences posts – especially those marking boundaries and former moieties – unless necessary for security or agricultural reasons, fence wires need not be retained.
Distinctive landscape features of the former Kennedy grant area are the elevated topography in the central part of the site and the circuitous drainage channels on the lowlands. Those natural features of the site that are proposed to be retained as part of the approved lakes scheme should be conserved in their present forms. There should be no major excavations to the central landform or modifications to the curvilinear creek line circumscribing the central landform.
The former grant area has been traditionally cleared farmland throughout though with the construction of the new Wildlife Lake there is an opportunity to re-establish some of the earlier forms of indigenous vegetation communities in association with the new lake. However the upper part of the elevated central landform should be retained in largely open character as part of the traditional curtilage to the house and outbuilding group with an inner curtilage along the ridge-top retained with mainly cultural plantings such as exist at present.
While it is important to retain a substantial area of open space around the homestead group, in order to maintain something of the traditional cultural landscape character, much recent effort has been expended on replanting part of the eastern lower terrace within the central area. It is also desirable that, following the completion of earthworks associated with the lakes scheme there should be a substantial rehabilitation of the lowlands parts of the site with locally indigenous plant species consistent with Alluvial Woodland, Sandstone Woodland and Rainforest/Drainage vegetation communities.
As a guide for the future management of the central part of the site the highest contour passing through the existing Forest Red Gum group should be used as a general cut-off point between retaining cleared land above with the option of revegetating most area below with locally indigenous species. Revegetation for the areas below the nominated contour needs to be tempered with the obligation to retain the remnant orchard and providing for other options as future revenue for the site as discussed in Section 8.3.
A key aspect of significance for the entire Castlereagh Valley is the locally indigenous flora represented by various recognised vegetation communities. The former Kennedy grant area contains some important indigenous tree species (including Eucalyptus baueriana and E.tereticornis as well as a variety of habitat types that could form the basis of a concerted revegetation program.
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The large Blue Box (Eucalyptus baueriana) to the southwest of the house is an impressive and significant tree. However the Australian Plant Name Index lists the following possibilities for the species:-
Eucalyptus baueriana Schauer (also synonymous with Eucalyptus baueriana Schauer var. baueriana syn: Eucalyptus fletcheri R.T.Baker syn: Eucalyptus magnificata L.A.S. Johnson & K.D. Hill) Eucalyptus baueriana Schauer var. baueriana Eucalyptus baueriana var. conica (H. Deane & Maiden) Maiden
For such an important example of this locally indigenous tree species it would be helpful to know exactly which of these taxa is relevant. The identification may also have implications on significance, local status and conservation emphases.
An additional issue with this tree is that it is currently the host for an aggressive fig tree (Ficus oblique?) that has already begun to establish a secure ‘foothold’ over the Blue Box. The fig tree species should be determined and if it is locally indigenous species it may be reasonable to leave it attached to the Blue Box. If, however, the fig tree is not local species then, if feasible, it should be carefully removed from the Blue Box as the latter would be more significant.
If it is determined that the fig tree should remain the propagules should be taken from the Blue Box and used to re-establish this species elsewhere within the site.
The remnant orchard contains several different fruit trees that are of value on account of age, historical association and, possibly, cultivars that are no longer common. Until recently the chief significance of this element would have been the individual trees as historic fabric not so much the orchard as such as many of the valley farms had orchards and even larger ones than this (e.g. the Goodlet grant).
However given that very few of the Castlereagh Valley farms remain this particular orchard assumes greater value as being not only representative of the valley farm orchards but now rare as one of the few to remain with any substantial plantings. This observation also poses management challenges as the site context of this orchard is within an area that is otherwise ideally suited for the revegetation of locally indigenous flora that is also a legitimate conservation concern.
The existing fruit trees should be retained as long as they remain healthy however in the meantime material should be propagated off each of these trees to remain the stock (though not necessarily on this site).
The surviving older plantings around the mass concrete house are also valuable and should be maintained and used as a basis of cultivating a low maintenance garden to enhance the immediate house setting. The two rose species and the bamboo regrowth located further to the south within the third moiety paddock should be relocated to appropriate areas near the house.
7.4 Use of the Place
The primary cultural significance of the place is largely embodied in its rarity as an example of an early twentieth century dwelling displaying mass concrete construction
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technique. No future use should obscure or substantially compromise this significance. Potential future uses for 43 Smith Road include:
Rural residential use; Education facility; or Shop, museum or gallery.
Rural residential use
The historic use of the place has been that of rural residential use. As the house retains its historic domestic layout, and there are nominal kitchen, bathroom and laundry spaces in situ, use as a single residence is feasible and would not be inappropriate, as its original use and interpretation of key spaces could potentially be implemented.
Education/research facility with Ancillary Offices
The dwelling lends itself to educational uses in relation to the relative ease of adaptation of spaces for offices and small group class rooms. Office use would generally be low- impact with fit-out which is substantially reversible.
Shop, museum or gallery
Without focusing on economic viability and fitness for purpose, it may be feasible to adapt the dwelling for any of the above uses.
Agricultural activities
The historic use of the site for agricultural activity lends itself for revenue-producing businesses such as horse agistment, market gardening or turf-growing.
7.5 Interpretation
Interpretation of the place should address such matters identified in the statement of significance. Interpretation should not necessarily present the place in a configuration it had at any particular past time, but rather where possible present parts as they have evolved and been conserved up to the 1950’s.
From a pure heritage conservation point of view, some further interpretation opportunities remain and include:
An ability to interpret the mass concrete construction technique of the house. An ability to interpret the fence alignments of the 1803 grant allotment and subdivisions. An ability to reconstruct suspended timber floors in the dwelling. An ability to preserve original and recently reconstructed elements of the dwelling in their existing status and configuration.
At least two strands of landscape interpretation are important for the former Kennedy grant area:
Interpreting the former farm landscape. Interpreting the natural systems (landscape features and vegetation) that predated the farming phase.
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7.6 Management
In enabling the acceptable conservation and upgrading of the place to satisfy the purposes of PLDC and other interested parties, management practices need to be put in order which allow for the identification of significant elements of the place, and an analysis of those significant elements with the requirements of the owner and possible future change.
Conservation policy guidelines on management involving professional conservation practitioners, reference documentation, archaeological finds, likely sensitive areas, systematic photographic recording and proper conservation practice need to be formulated to enable appropriate pre-planning of issues which may arise in the future.
7.6.1 Landscape Management Zones
Given that there are two important landscape overlays which need to be accommodated in the conservation management of this site, conservation policy guidelines would be helpful to consider the place in terms of a number of variable landscape management zones.
7.6.2 Cultural Landscape
With respect to the future uses for the existing homestead group a site or landscape master plan should be devised that indicates the positions of relocated plant material, new plantings consistent with the microclimate, heritage context and future functions of the immediate homestead curtilage as well as providing a guide to the layout of access areas and future use areas.
Apart from retaining the existing orchard area and ensuring the continuing viability of the fruit trees, material should be propagated from these trees in order to prepare new stock to be planted at Hadley Park. The latter farm had its own fruit trees as did Nepean Park and it would be desirable to re-establish future orchards at both of these early colonial farm cores.
7.6.3 Indigenous Vegetation
A strategy should be put in place to guide the future revegetation and ongoing management programs for the re-establishment of locally indigenous plant communities. All such work should be based on the Australian Natural Heritage Charter (refer also Section 7.9).
7.6.4 Weed Management
A program of weed control and eradication should be devised and implemented for the site to deal with problematic species such African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum), Blackberry (Rubus sp.), Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos), poplars, willows and other nuisance species that may conflict with the emphases for indigenous plant community conservation across the site.
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7.6.5 Fire Management
A Fire Management Plan should be developed for this site and should provide direction for fire management activities, including monitoring and management of fuel loads while emphasising the protection of life, and property, as well as provide direction in the protection of the natural and cultural landscape.
Roles should be detailed, allocated and drilled for those who would be based on the site while escape routes and procedures and gathering sites should be organised and practised.
7.7 Intervention to Significant Fabric
To assist in the ability to facilitate change to the place, conservation policy guidelines should identify areas of likely sensitivity or archaeological potential within the place and indicate the degree of professional involvement appropriate in any disturbance. Furthermore they should have regard to allowable intervention to enable elements of high significance to be conserved at the expense of those elements of lower significance. Such policy guidelines are noted in Section 8 to this report.
7.8 Future Development
7.8.1 Adaptation of Significant Fabric
Most extensive intervention in the significant fabric will occur during adaptation to accommodate new or ancillary uses, which can also be accentuated by the need to comply with authority requirements and for services to facilitate those new uses. Depending on relative significance, different levels of alteration of fabric are appropriate as follows:
• Conservation, including adaptation, restoration and reconstruction in accordance with the Burra Charter • Limited partitioning in spaces of lesser significance • Covering of significant fabric • Possible changes to significant fabric • Retention of only the concept/idea of the fabric • Complete removal
This is applicable to both external and internal fabric of the building, and it is useful to relate particular degrees of appropriate adaptation to the relative significance of elements. In this regard the primary significance of the place is embodied in the rarity of the house as an example of an early twentieth century dwelling displaying mass concrete construction technique.
Adaptation needs to be addressed for practical reasons such as:
• Economic feasibility and justification • Structural reasons • For installation of new services and equipment • To achieve fire safety and other statutory requirements • To facilitate access by people with disabilities
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7.8.2 Additions and New Features
Conservation policy guidelines should address as well as adaptation, the design of new additions or features on the place. Additions are acceptable to most buildings, and these can be defined in location, form, height, bulk, and materials, and the affect they have on the existing significance of the place in terms of fabric changes, use changes, and then in their affect on the relationship with the adjacent environment, and overall significance of the place.
New features on and within the building should be addressed in conservation policy guidelines and will include such elements as external lighting, and fixtures or plant and equipment.
7.8.3 New Development
As it would appear there is scope for introducing new development within the site without unduly diminishing overall significance, conservation policy guidelines should address the location, form, height, bulk and materials of same.
7.9 Conservation Procedures
As the place is of considerable cultural significance, it is desirable that procedures for managing change and activities at the place be in accordance with recognised conservation philosophies and methodologies such as the Burra Charter and its guidelines. Issues to be addressed by conservation policy guidelines should include:
• The conservation of the place • Professional advice • Documentation • Sensitive elements or archaeological finds • Site recording • Procedure for initiating and facilitating new works and activities • Resolution of inconsistent policies • Allowance for adoption and review of conservation policy guidelines
The future revegetation and management of the site’s indigenous biological resources should be undertaken in accordance with the principles, processes and practice of the Australian Heritage Commission’s Australian Heritage Charter 2002. The Charter is a distillation of ‘best practice’ conservation principles for Australia based on the consensus of a broad range of experts. It provides assistance in establishing the values of natural heritage (biodiversity and geo-diversity) and provides guidance in its management.
The Charter offers a framework for making sound decisions for managing and restoring natural heritage places based on ecological processes that occur in natural systems. As with the Burra Charter – on which it is based – the Australian Natural Heritage Charter advises a cautious approach to change.
7.10 Adoption and Review of Conservation Policy Guidelines
Conservation policy guidelines should address appropriate measures to be complied with and formally adopted as part of the management process. Provision should also be made for periodic review of the guidelines and as substantial changes occur to constraints and opportunities which may affect conservation policies.
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8.0 Statement of Conservation Policy Guidelines
8.1 Introduction
Following discussion as to what should happen to the place as part of the Development of Conservation Policy Guidelines in Section 7, statements have been formulated which will address the areas covered in Section 7 and in accordance with the Burra Charter Guidelines and the Australian Natural Heritage Charter as follows:
• Fabric (including associated spaces) • Setting • Use of the Place • Interpretation • Management • Intervention to Significant Fabric • Future Development - Adaptation of significant fabric - Additions and new features - New development • Conservation Procedures • Adoption and Review of Conservation Policy Guidelines
Specific terms used in this section have been derived from the Burra Charter and have been described in Section 1.5 of this report.
Note: Many of the following sections are often inter-related and should be considered as such in any future works to the place.
8.2 Fabric
Elements identified in section 5.4 should be dealt with in accordance with their assessed cultural significance. The following grading forms the basis for appropriate conservation processes:
• Elements of Exceptional significance should be conserved. Appropriate conservation processes include preservation, restoration and reconstruction. Intrusive elements should be removed.
• Elements of High significance should be conserved using any of the above conservation processes. Can tolerate adaptation for the retention of heritage values.
• Elements of Moderate significance should be conserved using any of the above conservation processes. Can tolerate adaptation for the retention of heritage values. Demolition should only be considered where conflict with the conservation of buildings of greater significance or where there is no feasible alternative.
• Elements of Little significance may be retained or adapted but do not need to be conserved. Substantial alterations or removal may be acceptable.
• Intrusive elements should be preferably removed when possible.
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8.2.1 Dwelling
In stating conservation policy decisions for the dwelling, a definition of significant fabric is required.
Significant fabric:
• All those elements and spaces noted as original and not subsequently altered, in the physical survey and graded zones (Section 3 and 5 of this report).
• The sub-surface remains (if any) of former landscape, buildings and site features introduced before construction began c.1902.
• Archaeological deposits and artefacts beneath and around the house footprint as set out in the Smith Road Residence Archaeology Handbook.
Through any one of the conservation processes, or a combination of same (including preservation, restoration, reconstruction, maintenance and adaptation), and subject to other sections of this conservation plan conserve the following fabric and spaces:
• All the significant fabric noted above in consideration of these conservation policy guidelines in order to conserve the significance of the place.
• All fabric and spaces reconstructed (in the future) in consideration of these conservation policy guidelines.
Conserve other fabric with qualification as follows:
• All significant fabric noted above, and fabric denoted as E (Early) in Section 3, except where alteration or removal is minor and required to preserve the primary significance of the place.
• All other fabric except where alteration or removal is required to preserve the primary significance of the place.
Actively remove the following intrusive or lesser significant fabric where circumstances allow in the future to recover elements of higher significance as follows:
• Internal non-significant fit-out including: lighting; fixtures; and fittings which obscure elements of higher significance.
• Other fabric obscuring significance as denoted in Section 5.4.2.
Allow removal of fabric under certain conditions as follows:
• Where essential values, elements and spaces of higher significance are conserved at the expense of elements and spaces of lesser significance.
• Where safety of occupants cannot be achieved through other reasonable and well explored means.
Allow investigation of the fabric to better understand constructional aspects, operational practices, or other elements of significance of the place. Any investigation into the fabric
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through physical intervention is to be minimal, and should be guided by reference to this conservation plan and further documentary research, if necessary.
Restore or reconstruct elements noted below as opportunities arise:
• Original elements of the place which remain in situ and where the integrity of such elements has not been compromised such that the significance of those elements has been lost.
Actively reconstruct the following works essential for conservation of ongoing significance of the place:
• Suspended timber floor structure and timber flooring in Space G1, G2, G4, G6 and G9 – 11. • Ceiling lining in Space G8.
Maintain significant fabric and spaces to the maintenance plan as indicated below to assure the ongoing protective care of the significance of the place:
8.2.2 Maintenance Plan
Daily Weekly Monthly Monthly 6 Annually ys Every 3 yrs Every 5 10 yrs Every yrs Every 20 1. Rubbish removal X 2. General internal cleaning X 3. Check rain water tank operation X 4. Check gutters, downpipes and drainage lines X 5. Clean down internal joinery X 6. Open and close windows to ensure smooth operation X 7. Check internal and external lighting X 8. Apply Blac-it to rimlocks X 9. Clean window and door glazing X 10. Check operation of door locks, bolts and door furniture X 11. Check window catches. X 12. Clean brass door and window furniture with Brasso X 13. Check power supply X 14. Dust internal wood surfaces. X X 15. Check storm water lines X 16. Check roof flashings X 17. Check roof surfaces X 18. Check external flashings X 19. Service subsoil drainage X 20. Certify essential services X 21. Service electrical services X 22. Oil locks and hinges As required 23. Check external rendered surfaces X 24. Monitor recent rendered internal surfaces for damp X 25. Check external fixings X 26. Check painting on windows and doors X 27. Check painting on external metal surfaces X 28. Repair roof coverings As required X 29. Repair roof flashings As required 30. Paint external joinery and steel surfaces X 31. Paint external render and other previously painted masonry surfaces X 32. Paint interior surfaces X 33. Check for major repair and service to roof and storm water elements X 34. Major external render repairs to façade and elevations X 35. Major repairs to external windows and doors X
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8.3 Setting
Views:
Ensure unimpeded sightlines are retained between the Smith Road dwelling and the Hadley Park group, and between the dwelling and the Landers Inn group.
Cultural Landscape:
Ensure there are no modifications – excavations or filling – to the elevated central landform (including its eastern and southern terraces). Ensure there are no modifications to the course or forms of any of the retained drainage features within the site. Retain fence line alignments across the site to interpret the original grant boundaries and the four early moieties that were an important historical feature of this large grant area. Ensure that a generous area of open landscape remains around the central elevated landform to provide a traditional open curtilage for the remnant homestead group. The central site area may be revegetated by suitable locally indigenous species up to a contour approximately level with the uppermost Forest Red Gum in that group of gums to the east of the homestead. Retain and conserve locally indigenous plant species throughout the site. Where consistent with other conservation objectives undertake to revegetate substantial parts of the former grant area with locally indigenous species representative, where appropriate, of Alluvial Woodland, Sandstone Woodland, and Rainforest/Drainage vegetation communities. Determine the exact identification of the Blue Box on site and undertake appropriate conservation measures accordingly. Retain the existing fruit trees in the lower (south eastern) paddock as part of the old orchard while making every reasonable effort to maintain the viability of the trees. Propagate material off these orchard tree cultivars for replanting in order to maintain the horticultural stock. Conserve and maintain the older plantings around the house including the Monterey Cypresses (Cupressus macrocarpa), California Fan Palm (Washingtonia filifera), Monterey Pine (Pinus radiate), Roman Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), Peppercorn Tree (Schinus areira), and Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica). Relocate re-shooting canes of bamboo and the scrambling roses (Rosa ‘Dorothy Perkins’?) in southern paddock and the shrub rose to the west of the Blue Box to appropriate areas at the ridge-top near the house. Propagate off the cypress near the paddock gatye for use as windbreak plantings to the west of the house. Use these existing older plantings near the house as well the relocated ones as the basis of low maintenance garden to enhance the immediate house curtilage with species appropriate to the age of the house.
Refer also Section 8.5 dealing with interpretation, Section 8.8.2 dealing with additions and new features and Section 8.8.3 new development of the place.
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8.4 Use of the Place
To conserve the primary significance of the place there are potentially a number of possible uses for the place which were noted in Section 7.4. Use of the dwelling as a rural residence would perhaps be the most appropriate as it retains its historic domestic layout, and there are nominal kitchen, bathroom and laundry spaces (albeit there is need for new fixtures and fittings in these spaces).
Use as an education facility, office, shop, museum or gallery would have to be subject to guidelines related to fit-out, lighting, telecommunications and security to be carefully detailed and set out if such uses are to be practically considered.
Given that the historic use of the site was for agricultural activity, it lends itself for revenue- producing businesses such as horse agistment, market gardening or turf-growing.
If retained, the Dairy and Sheds should retain a rural use.
Ideally organise uses that allows maximum conservation of significant fabric and minimum intervention.
Where possible organise new uses requiring alterations of fabric to areas previously altered in preference to those which are relatively intact.
Organise uses such that authorities’ requirements are implemented with minimal impact on significance, and having regard to Section 8.8.1.
Organise uses such that implementation of works to services results in minimal, physical and visual impact, and have regard to Section 8.8.1.
Facilitate use of the place by people with disabilities such that minimal impact on significance results and as discussed in Section 7 to this report.
Allow new compatible uses consistent with the remainder of these conservation policy guidelines.
8.5 Interpretation
Through a combination of preservation, restoration, reconstruction, adaptation, maintenance, displays and signs, utilise evidence of original fabric, former change and occupational uses in a way which may be interpreted by the public and specialists to better understand the significance of the place and as discussed in Section 7.5 to this report.
Do not cover up (or remove where allowed), significant fabric without adequate recording and archiving of documented material.
Any covering of significant fabric is to be reversible.
Where practical, include in any interpretation information about elements of the place and their statement of significance.
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Emphasize interpretation of particular important aspects of the place where they can be facilitated and the opportunity arises, including the following:
An ability to interpret the mass concrete construction technique of the house. An ability to reconstruct suspended timber floors in the dwelling. An ability to preserve original and recently reconstructed elements of the dwelling in their existing status and configuration. An ability to interpret the former farming history and the pre-European natural and cultural landscape history of the place in an appropriate and imaginative manner. An ability to interpret the fence alignments of the 1803 grant allotment and subdivisions. Ensure fence posts are retained that mark out the positions of the grant boundaries and early moiety alignments. Where missing, reinstate fence posts to mark out this layout. Wires between posts are not necessary.
Undertake restoration/reconstruction works to the dwelling as indicated in Section 8.2 as opportunities arise.
8.6 Management
Establish a management protocol for any proposed works or changes to the place, such that pre-planning will reduce any potential conflicts with significance of the place. One or more owner representatives are to control and be aware of proposed work, and the need to minimise impact on significance and contributory elements and spaces to that significance.
Involve appropriate professional and trades people familiar with an understanding of significance of the place, and ways of reconciling the needs of the owner/user and relevant authorities with the significance of the place and contributory elements.
Negotiate with relevant authorities for the ability to undertake particular operational, maintenance and minor works without the need for development approval such as the following:
• Maintenance of equipment and fabric in accordance with an agreed maintenance manual • Changes to internal fit-out which is reversible and in accordance with these conservation policy guidelines.
Establish protocol for emergency works whereby management and maintenance teams are educated as to the significance of the place and its individual elements, so as to make judgements on emergency work and intervention to fabric in the knowledge of minimising removal or compromising the significance of the place.
8.6.1 Landscape Management Zones
Owing to the fact that two important landscape overlays need to be accommodated in the conservation management of this site it would be helpful to consider the place in terms of a number of variable landscape management zones as set-out below:
The ridge-top area or immediate homestead curtilage would be one zone and mainly managed in a way that is consistent with maintaining an appropriate setting for the homestead; the cleared paddocks surrounding the ridge-top down to a contour marking the lower edge of the intermediate terrace would be another zone
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and would be maintained as cleared paddocks; the area beyond this down to riparian edge of the curvilinear creek-line would constitute the next zone.
This latter zone would be managed to provide for the conservation of the orchard, allow for possible revenue-producing agricultural activities such horse agistment, market gardening or turf-growing (as noted in Section 8.4) as well as designating areas for the revegetation of locally indigenous plant communities. With the exception of the fruit trees in the orchard other cultural vegetation (various field roses and the clumping bamboo) could be relocated to the first zone so that indigenous vegetation management could take precedence in the south-western and western parts of this zone area.
A final zone would include the creek-line and all of the lowlands beyond the creek, the new lake, its margins and the Nepean River frontage. This zone would be managed principally for habitat values with an emphasis on re-establishing appropriate indigenous plant communities.
Throughout the various landscape zones ensure the colonial farming layout is still readable through its fence and boundary alignments. Fence alignments and gates could remain throughout the site to interpret the site’s farming history with wires retained for agricultural functions and wires removed elsewhere as required.
8.6.2 Cultural Landscape
Provide for a landscape master plan that establishes and sets out appropriate use areas around the homestead group as well as guiding the future positions and types of new plantings and the siting of relocated plant material all with respect to the local conditions and heritage context.
Ensure propagated material from the orchard fruit trees (refer also Section 8.3) is available to re-establish an orchard at Hadley Park.
8.6.3 Indigenous Vegetation
Ensure programs are in place to guide the future revegetation and ongoing management programs for the re-establishment of locally indigenous plant communities. Ensure all such work is based on the Australian Natural Heritage Charter (Refer also to Section 8.9).
8.6.4 Weed Control and Eradication Program
Devise and implement a program for the control and eradication of weeds on the site.
8.6.5 Fire Management
Ensure the provision of a Fire Management Plan as well as liaison with the NPWS, Penrith Council, the Department of Planning, the NSW Rural Fire Service and compliance with the relevant Acts and Guidelines.
Ensure appropriate training and procedures are provided for those based at the site.
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8.7 Intervention to Significant Fabric
8.7.1 Dwelling
Allow intervention to significant fabric for the following:
• Stabilisation, preservation and maintenance.
• Restoration and/or reconstruction and adaptation in accordance with these conservation policy guidelines.
• Introduction of interpretive devices in accordance with these conservation policy guidelines.
• Repair or replacement of services to ensure the ongoing use of the building.
Fabric may be removed in accordance with Section 8.2, and as follows:
• Allow removal of fabric which obscures and lessens the interpretive value of elements of higher significance.
• Elements which have in themselves resulted in removal of significant fabric.
• Elements which cause deterioration of significant fabric.
• Where elements are dangerous to public safety and other feasible options in accordance with these conservation policy guidelines cannot be found.
• The minimum amount of fabric may be removed for investigation purposes to better understand elements of the place, but only as otherwise in accordance with these conservation policy guidelines.
• Where significant fabric is allowed to be removed, as determined with these policy guidelines, salvage and reuse those elements for repair of other like fabric in the place.
Investigation can be undertaken in accordance with these conservation policy guidelines but ensure minimal intervention to significant fabric results, and be aware of areas of likely archaeological potential which may reveal significant fabric presently concealed, including the following (for locations refer to original plans):
• Evidence of original internal and external colour schemes.
• Evidence of decoration (including wallpaper).
8.8 Future Development
Future development works may encompass a range of issues involving both new and conservation works. Conservation policy guidelines associated with future development are as follows:
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8.8.1 Adaptation of Significant Fabric
8.8.1.1 Dwelling
Allow adaptation of interior significant fabric and spaces in accordance with these conservation policy guidelines and their relative levels of significance (refer Section 5.4 as follows:
Exceptional Significance: Original fabric and spaces, relatively intact. Conserve significant fabric in accordance with these conservation policy guidelines. Encourage reconstruction of significant elements. Allow adaptation (including removal) of fabric only where primary significance is to be better conserved or interpreted and only the minimum necessary.
High Significance: Early 20th Century fabric, spaces and alterations; original fabric and spaces with some alterations. Conserve fabric and spaces in accordance with these conservation policy guidelines where possible. Encourage reconstruction of significant elements. Allow adaptation (including removal) of fabric where primary significance is conserved.
Moderate Significance: Mid period fabric, spaces and alterations; early fabric with some alterations; original fabric and spaces with substantial alteration. Conserve fabric in accordance with these conservation policy guidelines where possible. Encourage reconstruction of significant elements where possible. Allow sympathetic alteration (including removal) of fabric and spaces in accordance with these conservation policy guidelines.
Little Significance: Late period fabric, spaces and alterations; mid period fabric with some alterations; earlier period fabric with substantial alterations. May be removed or replaced with new fabric, either reconstruction or new configuration and identifiably new detail and otherwise in accordance with these conservation policy guidelines.
Intrusive Significance: When possible, actively seek to remove the nominated element and reconstruct elements of higher significance.
Allow for the replacement of existing services provided there is no other prudent alternative, and where work is undertaken to minimise damage to other significant fabric or spaces, and as otherwise in accordance with these conservation policy guidelines. Building services are to be concealed in areas of lower significance to those of higher significance where possible, and exterior services are to be located in relatively inconspicuous positions as much as possible, being designed and finished to be self- effacing.
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Allow adaptation of the fabric to prevent structural failure of existing significant fabric, provided alteration to significant fabric and spaces is minimised, and that the structural design and resultant detail is sympathetic to the existing details of the place within the structural constraints.
Allow alterations to significant fabric and spaces to comply with the objectives and intent of statutory authorities requirements (including fire safety, occupational health and safety, and access for people with disabilities), only after thorough investigation of alternative strategies and options in order to conserve as much significant fabric and spaces as possible, yet satisfy the objectives of the statutory requirements. Seek dispensation from statutory authorities when compliance with code requirements would otherwise mean compromising the significant elements of the place in light of the above. Ideally locate adaptation to areas of lower significance rather than higher significance, make the works as reversible as possible, and minimise damage to significant fabric and spaces.
8.8.2 Additions and New Built Features
8.8.2.1 Dwelling
Allow additions and new features as follows:
In accordance with these conservation policy guidelines.
For replacement or new services in accordance with these conservation policy guidelines.
For items of a minor nature associated with an existing use or new compatible uses.
Where conservation of the majority of values of significance of the place was reliant on addition, and only in accordance with these conservation policy guidelines.
Specific additions and new built features:
Plant and equipment of other authorities/organisations: - Any placement of new plant and equipment associated with other authorities/organisations is not to be placed or fitted so as to be noticeable, or have an adverse impact on otherwise significant aspects of the place.
- Any such elements are not to be placed on the dwelling that can be seen from significant vantage points noted in Section 8.3, or where they have an adverse physical impact on the place, either collectively or individually.
Ideally locate unavoidable intervention to areas of lesser significance in preference to those of higher significance.
8.8.3 New Development
Allow new development within the site as follows:
In accordance with these conservation policy guidelines.
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Located so as to preserve unimpeded sightlines from the existing dwelling to Hadley Park and Landers Inn as noted in Section 8.3. Located so as to maintain a clear hierarchy which dictates that the mass concrete dwelling occupies the prime position with commanding views out over the valley while any new development is subservient. To this end there is potential for rural housing development located to the north and east of the existing dwelling within the ridge-top zone, and potentially in the lowland zone near the existing entrance to the site above the 1 in 100 year flood line. Be of sympathetic character, form, scale, materials, colours and details with the existing dwelling. Reflect the rural character of the place. Designed to be recessive in the landscape.
8.9 Conservation Procedures
Manage the place to enable these conservation policy guidelines to be implemented.
As the place has a relatively high level of significance, activities at the place should be guided by the provisions of the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter, and in accordance with these conservation policy guidelines.
All future revegetation program and subsequent management of these systems should be based on the principles, processes and practice of the Australian Heritage Commission’s Australian natural Heritage Charter 2002.
As noted in Section 8.6, engage appropriately skilled professional and trades people in the disciplines of conservation practice and with intimate knowledge of the building, to advise on and implement conservation works and interpretation of the place.
Formulate an adequate strategy to undertake a systematic photographic survey of the place before, during and after works affecting significant fabric of the place, catalogue same and safely archive in PLDC’s own archives.
Compile, and make available where possible, copies of all known historical drawings, pictorial documents and written primary and secondary records relating to the place, catalogue same and place in PLDC’s archives.
Any archaeological deposits are to be assembled, catalogued and safely stored, or reused for the repair or replacement of missing elements as part of reconstruction/repair works to the place. Any collation of archaeological deposits in storage should be ideally associated with PLDC’s archives as a central repository.
To follow appropriate conservation practice, any works undertaken at the place should be undertaken in the following manner:
Consult this conservation plan and assess specific proposals for the place in light of the conservation policy guidelines within this conservation plan. For specific works it may be necessary to undertake further research in order to implement those works to an acceptable conservation standard. Such a procedure is particularly important regarding interpretation and detailed information about adaptation, physical configurations and historical associations. Research may include physical intervention to determine former decorative finishes or
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constructional aspects of the place and should be undertaken in accordance with these conservation policy guidelines.
Prior to undertaking any work to an element or space of the place which is to be removed, destroyed or covered over, an adequate photographic and physical survey of the element or space should be carried out, and cover the identification, nature, and extent of fabric and if possible the age of each element of that fabric. Such information should be compiled as part of a report for the place, a copy of which should be deposited in PLDC’s archives. It will be noted that some of this recording work will have been undertaken as part of this conservation plan.
During any work to the place, the maximum amount of significant fabric and patina should be retained where possible in accordance with Burra Charter principles, and with regard to the relative significance of the element or space to the primary significance of the place overall. Replacements, no matter how accurate are to be considered of far less heritage value than the original fabric.
Identification of practitioners and tradesman involved in the documentation and implementation of the works should be recorded and references deposited at PLDC’s’ archives.
Any new information that comes to light about the place, its use, configuration, materials, age, associations, etc. of an element or space during the works should be recorded, catalogued and deposited with PLDC’s archives.
Where any inconsistencies in conservation policy may arise, in the first instance review actions or proposals for the place to be as consistent with as many policies in this conservation plan as possible and with particular regard to the primary or overall significance of the place. Otherwise review conservation policy guidelines in accordance with Section 8.10.
The potential archaeological resource at the place should be managed in accordance with the policies set out in Smith Road Residence Archaeology Handbook. And Penrith Lakes Archaeological Management Plan.
The potential Aboriginal archaeological resource should be managed according to the requirements of the NPW Act. If Aboriginal cultural remains are exposed, works should cease until an appropriate s87 or s90 permit has been obtained and Aboriginal community consultation has been carried out.
All contractors should undergo a heritage induction conducted on site prior to the commencement of work for the purposes of understanding the significance of the place and elements and be alerted to the possibility of exposing Aboriginal and non-aboriginal archaeological relics.
8.10 Adoption and Review of Conservation Policy Guidelines
The owners and relevant authorities should adopt these conservation policy guidelines for the place to assist in future management decisions which may have an affect on the significance of the place and its components.
Should ownership of the place change, a review of the conservation policy and statements of significance for the place would be required.
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Any proposals which affect the place should be in accordance with the adopted conservation policy guidelines noted in this report.
Any proposals for the place which are not in accordance with the stated conservation policy guidelines, are to be implemented following a revision of the conservation policy guidelines which results in a conclusion that such proposals are consistent with the revised conservation policy guidelines.
A review of these conservation policy guidelines should be undertaken every 5 years and after completion of the next major works which affect the place.
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