State heritage officials will investigate concerns substantial water damage has occurred to the interior of historic Heathcote Hall because windows are missing.
The Italianate mansion, which was built in 1887, is due to be restored as part of a development comprising 35 townhouses and 20 apartments, which was approved in December last year.
But, according to members of the Save Heathcote East Action Committee, Barbara and Wally Koppe, the building is being allowed to deteriorate further, with no sign of rectification.
"Heathcote Hall is described on the State Heritage Register as 'one of the oldest and greatest buildings in the Sutherland Shire', but no one seems to care," Ms Koppe said.
"We have written to both the Heritage Council of NSW and Sutherland Shire Council and haven't received a reply."
Ms Koppe said the Heritage Council provided a grant of $150,000 in 2000 for emergency works on the tower.
"About 15 years ago, eight large windows were removed and never replaced," she said.
"The owner at the time finally put up a green plastic corrugated cover on the windows, which was not waterproof.
"Substantial water damage has since occurred inside the building.
"One of the window coverings has been missing for several weeks and others are dislodged."
Substantial water damage has since occurred inside the building. One of the window coverings has been missing for several weeks and others are dislodged.
- Save Heathcote East Action Committee member Barbara Koppe
Ms Koppe said there were concerns were heightened by rumours the property had been sold following approval of the development.
Robert Orth, of the development group Fuzortinn, told the Leader, "No we haven't sold it, but, you know, everything is for sale".
"Every time we fix a window someone breaks it," he said.
"We have had quite a few break-ins and the police have been called a few times."
Mr Orth said they were in the process of applying for a construction certificate from the council, which is a requirement before work can start.
"That can take six to seven months," he said.
Mr Orth said he "couldn't even guess" when construction might start.
"We still have to get pre-sales,' he said. "In the current environment who knows."
The concerns about water damage are being addressed by Heritage NSW, a branch within the Department of Premier and Cabinet that supports the functions of the Heritage Council.
A spokesman for Heritage NSW said the owner of a heritage-listed property was responsible for its maintenance.
"The Heritage Act imposes minimum standards of maintenance and Heritage NSW will investigate the allegations that the heritage significance of Heathcote Hall is being affected by water penetration," he said.
"As part of the conditions of approval for the development of the site, the Heritage Council required an agreement be entered into for the conservation and interpretation of Heathcote Hall.
"The Heritage Act applies to a State Heritage Register listed property regardless of ownership and no approval or advice is required to the Heritage Council for the sale of a state heritage listed property.
A Sutherland Shire Council spokesman said the council has had no cause to inspect the heritage building since the development application was approved, "so is not aware of any recent water damage".
"The developer has an obligation under the Heritage Act to maintain the building until it is restored as part of the approved development," he said.
"Being a State listed heritage item, the NSW Heritage Council has the ability to issue orders for maintenance work to be carried out if it believes this is necessary."
