Darko Krajinovic back in Hobart Magistrates Court facing new planning and construction-related charges

A Hobart man who copped a massive fine for illegally demolishing his heritage-listed home has faced court again after allegedly attempting to remove what remained of the structure.

Darko Krajinovic heading to the Supreme Court last year to contest the level of the fine he received for knocking down his heritage listed Mt Stuart property. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

A HOBART developer who copped a massive fine and caused community uproar for illegally demolishing his heritage-listed home has faced court allegedly after attempting to remove what little remained of the structure.

In February 2017, Darko Krajinovic used an excavator to all but destroy his 1885 Mount Stuart home without a Hobart City Council planning permit, with plans to build four new townhouses on the property.

The unauthorised demolition caused asbestos fibres to be released into the air.

He also cut down two significant trees, an Irish yew tree and bay tree, without making an application to the council.

The case outraged residents and community leaders.

The mostly demolished house at Mt Stuart. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

Krajinovic pleaded guilty to nine offences relating to the incident and was fined a total of $225,000.

Sentencing Magistrate Simon Cooper described Krajinovic’s actions as a “flagrant and deliberate breach of the law”.

Amendments to the Land Use and Planning Approvals Act meant the council was not able to apply for an order banning Krajinovic developing the property.

He appealed against the fine to the Supreme Court as being “manifestly excessive”, but lost that appeal.

In the Hobart Magistrates Court on Friday, Krajinovic entered not guilty pleas to a range of new planning and construction-related charges, including failing to ensure demolition work complied with the Building Act, failing to engage a building surveyor, undertaking development that is contrary to a planning scheme and undertaking development that constitutes a breach of a condition of a permit imposed by a planning authority.

HCC general manager Nick Heath said the new charges were for allegedly removing the stone footings of the remaining structure at the Mt Stuart property without the relevant approvals.

Magistrate Glenn Hay adjourned the latest matter for hearing on May 28.

The court also heard Krajinovic was appealing against the Supreme Court decision to the Full Court.

Mr Heath said that matter had been listed for hearing on March 13.