The Block’s return to Bondi scheduled for 2013 as development application caught up in heritage red tape

The Block's delayed return to Bondi has been scheduled for 2013, but just when is still undertermined.

The four semi-detached cottages were bought by the television production company last November. The first unsuccessful development application was lodged with council in February.

The second attempt for the Brenchley Architects development application still awaits Waverley Council approval. Neighbours have until June 29 to lodge objections.

Application for contestant couples is now being sought for the gruelling 10-week filming period scheduled for early 2013. The official application forms suggests the location of The Block 2013 is yet to be confirmed, given The Block is scheduled to shoot two series for airing during the year.

Subject to council approval one will be the semi-detached cottages at 6-12 Tasman Street, Bondi.

The delay may be because the semis are listed as "historically significant" having architectural, aesthetic, group value and streetscape significance on the NSW government heritage database.

It dates back to the council’s 1989 Waverley heritage study by Perumal Murphy Alessi, the heritage architectural firm.

All the semis between 2 and 12 Tasman Street are described on the heritage site as an “outstanding row of early 20th century semi-detached. Unusual to find such an intact row in this area. The buildings also have special interest for their detailing. Local significance. circa 1915. Slate roof with terra cotta ridge capping. Main roof pitched with gablet over entries. Skillion corrugated iron roof on either side for remainder of verandahs. All retain original turned timber posts and spindle valences. Tessellated veranda tiles. Casement windows in unusual sets of four, with small coloured panes. Good chimneys with unusual pots. Tuckpointed face brick. Let down only by fences and minor alterations.”

It is envisaged there will not be any decision made into July, a council spokesperson said recently.

The cost of the development application works is put at $800,000 plus, having had a $900,000 cost in the initial withdrawn application.

It involves a first-floor extension – lower than initially sought – and which is suggested as not visible from the street.

The application seeks demolishing the back half of the houses on the basis that they are outdated.

The purchase price of the four semis hasn't been revealed although it reputedly could have been as much as $5.2 million. The initial sale price estimate by Property Observer was $4.4 million or more.