Lynton Avenue ‘blue box’ issues still not fixed

THE owner of Lynton Avenue’s “blue box” has not fully complied with a magistrates order to fix issues with the building, the Hobart City Council says.

The “blue box house” apartment block in Lynton Avenue. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

THE owner of Lynton Avenue’s “blue box” has not fully complied with a magistrates order to fix issues with the building, the Hobart City Council says.

Council general manager Nick Heath said the council had instructed their lawyers to “take all necessary action” to prosecute the owner and bring about a resolution.

“Blue box” apartment block owner Baocheng Xing. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

Mr Heath said the property owner had completed some of the requirements in the magistrates order, including lowering the height and working with a building surveyor to complete documentation required to lodge a building application.

He said the owner had also worked with council to decide on an appropriate colour for the cladding — dark grey.

The body corporate of a neighbouring apartment complex made its first complaints about the “blue box” in 2008.

The council began legal proceedings against the property in August 2013.

MORE: OWNER AT ‘END OF THE LINE’

Neighbour Louise Bloomfield said she would like to see the issue resolved.

“I’d like to see it become a building that is a bit more sympathetic to the environment,” she said.

“Ultimately I’d like to see it completed and finished or gone.

“I think the residents of the area have been considerate, because it’s been a long time.”

Magistrate Glenn Hay gave owner Baocheng Xing, 38, of Sandy Bay, 80 days to comply with council orders from early July. That deadline passed on September 29.

Magistrate Hay said the council would be given power to carry out the works and bill Mr Xing to recover the costs if the work was not carried out before the time period was up.

Mr Xing was granted a building permit for the site in March 2009.

Originally published as Lynton Avenue ‘blue box’ issues still not fixed