Negotiations continue for Pebble church

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS , 23rd SEPTEMBER 2020.

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Although the expressions of interest for the purchase of the so-called the former St Peter's church of England and karapui, negotiations with the Pebble church community group and the Anglican church have continued this week.

The community with group was formed when residents became aware of the Church Of England's move to sell off the much loved and heritage listed building which was built on the donated land and with the volunteer labour of the community.

Current negotiations

Johanna Medlyn said that the Pebble Church Community Group had put forward two further offers since their original offer of $50,000 was rejected and since that time the support from the community has grown considerably. The group had, prior to this week, two offers with both rejected.

A final bid was being prepared by the group on Monday evening this week.

Johanna Medlyn thanked the community saying they were grateful to everyone for helping to keep the Pebble Church in community hands.

Permits required

If the Pebble church is purchased by private buyer a good deal of uncertainty applies in relation to the planning and building requirements of the land. The Northern Grampians Shire Council (NGSC) was contacted for a comment on the issue of the heritage overlay on the building and responded that as the land was zoned farming, the heritage overlay would trigger the need for a planning permit, if any construction was required.

"One of the determinations for any proposed permit will be whether there will be an impact on the heritage building and heritage advice will therefore be required for that permit" said the NGSCCEO Ms Liana Thompson. "Whether someone will be able to live in the church will depend on heritage advice and whether the inside needs to be protected and if any alterations that need to be made to the building conflict with the Heritage cover overall" she said. The building has no plumbing or electricity and construction work would probably be necessary through the pebble walls to address both these residential requirements.