While no date has been set for the appeal hearing, a millionaire developer is challenging local authorities in court over their refusal to allow the demolition of his family’s $8 million Ascot estate, a home they have cherished for over three decades.
Cleighton Clark, the founder of the well-known Sunshine Coast apartment building company Habitat Development Group, lodged his appeal in the Planning and Environment Court on 22 May, following the local government body’s decision on April 30 to reject his demolition application.
A Home with History
The grand residence, known as ‘Lorne,’ is an 86-year-old mansion located on Anthony Street in Ascot. It was originally designed by architect Roy Ashley Shaw in 1936 and constructed by Blair Cunningham. Historical documents indicate that the Campbell family resided in the home starting in 1939.
Mr Clark’s parents, David and Helen Clark, acquired the five-bedroom property in December 1992. Current property records show that the home is jointly owned by Cleighton Clark, his brother Steele Clark, and Melita Hollands.
The extensive property covers four lots, totalling 1578 square metres, and features a nearly 38-metre frontage to Anthony Street. It includes beautifully landscaped gardens and an in-ground swimming pool. Last October, the home was listed for sale at $7.65 million, with advertising describing it as “the embodiment of Ascot living.”
The listing also highlighted the home’s eastward views towards Moreton Bay, its high ceilings, detailed cornicing, and original flooring, noting that it was being offered to the market for the first time in 32 years.
Plans for Redevelopment and Official Opposition
Mr Clark’s development consultancy, Project Urban, submitted a report to the local government body, stating that tearing down the house would allow for future redevelopment of the site. They believe this redevelopment aligns with the area’s existing planning rules and character expectations.
The house is situated within a traditional building character overlay, spanning land identified as 89A, 91, 93, and 95 Anthony Street.
The local authorities refused the application, explaining that demolishing Lorne would “result in the loss of traditional building character and fails to protect a building constructed in 1946 or earlier where it forms a part of a character streetscape.”
The Developer’s Counter-Argument
In his appeal, Mr Clark argues that the home has undergone significant changes over the years and no longer looks like it was built in 1946 or earlier.
He specifically pointed to alterations made in 1967 or 1993, noting that “polystyrene facade decoration has been added to the street facing and northern facades which include fluted columns, arches, engaged pilasters, keystones, entry pediments, dentils, cornices and window hoods.”
Habitat Development Group, founded by Mr. Clark, is frequently ranked among Australia’s top 10 apartment builders by the Housing Industry Association. The legal battle over the Ascot mansion’s future continues, with the date for the appeal hearing yet to be determined.
Published Date 05-Jun-2025
