Judge inspects Plumbs Chambers
THE first day of a Queensland Planning and Environment Court hearing to decide the future of the controversial Plumbs Chambers site on Fitzroy St got under way yesterday, with the judge in the case travelling to Warwick to inspect the buildings.
The court case has been brought on by Canning Downs stud owner and local heritage campaigner John Barnes – against the Southern Downs Regional Council and Plumbs owners the McConaghy Group – in a bid to save the rear of the larger of the two buildings at 84 Fitzroy St from demolition.
The State Government has already approved the demolition for the older timber building next door at 82, although the McConaghy Group will be required to restore the front of 84 before it can proceed with the knock-down.
Plumbs Chambers stands in the way of a planned major expansion of Rose City Shopping World by the Brisbane-based McConaghy Group.
Yesterday’s visit to Warwick included Judge Robin QC and lawyers for all parties, with the hearing set to continue in Brisbane today.
