Darko Krajinovic wins first tick for townhouses development

A man who illegally demolished his heritage-zoned house in Mt Stuart has had a development application for four townhouses at the site recommended for approval.

The illegally demolished house in Mount Stuart Rd. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

A HOBART man who illegally demolished his heritage-zoned house in Mt Stuart has had a development application for four townhouses at the site recommended for approval.

The application from Darko Krajinovic received 27 submissions from the public – six for and 21 against.

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Those that supported the proposal at 55 Mt Stuart Rd say the development will improve the look of the site, make the neighbourhood more pleasant and help address the housing shortage.

Those opposed said there were traffic concerns, landslide risks, and approving the project would set a dangerous precedent encouraging other developers to demolish heritage buildings without approval.

Darko Krajinovic.

In February 2017, Darko Krajinovic used an excavator to all but destroy his 1885 Mount Stuart home without a Hobart City Council planning permit.

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

Krajinovic pleaded guilty to nine offences relating to the partial demolition and was fined $225,000.

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A council heritage officer report notes the “historic cultural heritage significance of the place has been severely diminished by the loss of the former weatherboard house”.

Hobart Deputy Lord Mayor Helen Burnet, who chairs the planning committee, said on balance the townhouse application seemed like a suitable development.

“As a committee and a council we have to set aside any court cases or any illegal removing of trees,” she said.

“We must review the application on its merit, whether that’s seen as fair or not.”

Cr Burnet said increased traffic in the area was a concern.

As part of numerous conditions attached to the development, the developer must also provide and plant an Irish yew tree and a bay tree.