CORRECTION: This story has been updated to make clear Tarni James did not physically witness the home burn. It also misstated that Robert "Rob" James bought the house in 1957, rather than 1963. The Eastern Melburnian regrets these errors.
Tarni James said a decision to refuse extra planning protections on her family's former Canterbury home after it was destroyed by an arson attack in December 2023 was "a heartbreak".
🗓️ The history: Built in 1905-06 and known as “Shenley Croft”, the dwelling at 7-9 Mangarra Road is an Edwardian villa covered by the council’s heritage overlay, which protects it from inappropriate development and demolition.
Robert "Rob" James bought the house in 1957 for his wife Merle and their four children. Merle lived there until her death in June 2020.
The family sold the property for $3.1 million in November 2020, although the land was later estimated to be worth up to $6 million.
Victoria Police confirmed the house was destroyed in an arson attack in the early hours of December 9, 2023. No charges have been laid and the investigation remains ongoing.
The house was destroyed by arson in December 2023.
✉️ Council's push: Since February 2024, Boroondara council has urged the State Government to introduce a planning control requiring the house to be faithfully rebuilt.
However, in a June 25 letter to mayor Wes Gault, the Planning Minister said there was not "sufficient evidence" to show the owner was responsible for the fire or had deliberately allowed the property to deteriorate.
Councillors unanimously approved a permit this week to demolish and reconstruct the front of the house and build a two-storey rear extension.
💔 Family reaction: Ms James said watching her family home of more than 55 years burn was "gut-wrenching" and "tragic", but the approved plans were "the best we could hope for".
Tarni James with her mother Merle, who lived in Shenley Croft until her death at the age of 98.
In a letter she sent to the Planning Minister, she described the government's response as "totally inadequate".
⏭️ What’s next? Before work begins, the owner must enter into a legal agreement with the council requiring the house to be rebuilt in accordance with the approved plans.