AT LAST Wednesday's ordinary council meeting, Northam councillors voted 6-1 to undertake research into the potential costs associated with restoring the balcony structure of the Northam Town Hall.
Council officers will report the findings to the 2014/15 annual budget meeting with the view of restoring the balcony structure with external grant funding.
Councillor Ulo Rumjantsev was in favour of the motion.
"As an out-of-town councillor I bring passion to this field because I am a lover of heritage and Bakers Hill doesn't have it," Cr Rumjantsev said.
"All I ask is for council to support the motion and look at outside funding - for example Lotterywest grants."
Cr Denis Beresford was against the motion, stating he didn't believe any restoration could be done to improve the look of the building.
"If we take up a grant, we take up our privileges and it could be incredibly expensive," Cr Beresford said.
"I don't know why the balcony was taken down originally but there must have been a good reason."
Cr Kathy Saunders supported Cr Rumjantsev's appeal.
"The Shire's motto is heritage, commerce, lifestyle and given the Northam Town Hall is a heritage listed building there must be funds somewhere," Cr Saunders said.
Cr Rob Tinetti agreed.
"When you drive past the town hall something significant is missing," he said.
"It's the balcony and it should go back on."
Cr Ray Head said he believed Northam was steeped in heritage and it was important to restore the town hall balcony.
"I don't understand Cr Beresford's mentality," Cr Head said.
"We should leave no stone unturned in seeking funding from the appropriate sources and this should go ahead subject to available funding."