Fury over illegal demolition of heritage-zoned home at Mt Stuart

RESIDENTS of an inner-city Hobart suburb were threatened by live power lines and possible asbestos contamination during the illegal demolition of a heritage-zoned home.

Demolition of the 1890s house in Mt Stuart has angered neighbours. Pictures: MATT THOMPSON

RESIDENTS of an inner-city Hobart suburb were threatened by live power lines and possible asbestos contamination during the “disgusting’’ illegal demolition of a heritage-zoned home.

The Hobart City Council has promised a stern legal response to what general manager Nick Heath described as the illegal razing of a heritage-zoned Mt Stuart weatherboard home yesterday.

Mr Heath said council officers were contacted by concerned neighbours as workmen with chainsaws and an earthmover moved in on the recently sold 1890s property.

Despite workers being served with a stop-work notice by a council officer flanked by a Tasmania Police officer, demolition work did not stop until late in the afternoon.

Mr Heath said with no demolition permit, the house on 55 Mt Stuart Rd was still connected to power lines and there were fears of asbestos contamination.

Demolition under way at the Mt Stuart home.

He said the council would come down hard on those responsible.

Mr Heath said two heritage-listed trees on the property were also cut down.

“This property was illegally demolished because these works did not have council approval,” Mr Heath said.

“Our concern now is making sure the site is safe — TasNetworks has been called in and some of the neighbours are concerned about asbestos.

“We are absolutely disgusted that someone would just flagrantly breach our planning regulations in this way.

“It would have been pretty clear to the owner this property has been heritage listed.”

Despite the building’s status under the planning scheme, the recently sold property was marketed as an ideal development opportunity — with the agents noting any works would need to be given the green light by council.

“Renovators, developers — prime location,” the Roberts Real Estate advertisement read.

“Are you ready for your next project? You will need to be prepared as not much has changed in this circa 1890s home.

“There are stunning views over Hobart and the Derwent River from many areas of the property.

“For the developers there is the possibility of a unit or two, subject to council approval.”

The real estate agent declined to comment.

Angry neighbours look on as the house is demolished.

Hobart alderman Marti Zucco, who joined Mr Heath on site after receiving a flurry of phone calls from residents, said he was appalled by homeowner’s actions.

Mr Zucco said real estate “cowboys” were not welcome in Hobart, and he had not seen anything like it his 25 years in local government.

“I’m facing a quarter of a building that still has power lines connected,” he said.

“Council officers have done everything in their power.

“We had a heritage officer here with police telling the owner not to continue.

“We are going to prosecute this person to the full extent of the law.”

Hobart Lord Mayor Sue Hickey said the maximum penalty for illegal demolition work was a 10-year ban on developing the property, but this would not bring back the heritage home.