Turn offices back into family homes

Many houses are being used for surgeries and businesses, says Trevor Cordwell

WHENI first started penning this article, it was with some sympathy for those people who have for many years welcomed visitors into their homes either by way of house minding or sharing — initially for little or no financial reward.

With the introduction of Airbnb and other online home-sharing options this is now enabling some just reward, albeit with some being somewhat over-zealous with their charges.

In time the market will even out this aspect to produce a more affordable option.

The rhetoric blaming the introduction of these alternative accommodation options for the growing lack of rental homes lost to the public is often misguided.

The point of view I wish to express, provoking debate, centres on what I believe has been erratic errors by successive councils over many years.

I refer to the many, possibly thousands, of well-structured private homes that have been approved, through planning amendments, for use by professional entities and businesses, converting perfectly liveable homes to professional and other business establishments.

Rarely is there a street where this phenomenon has not been allowed, some in proximity to the CBD and others extending to the outer suburbs.

Readers will note the many perfectly liveable homes that have been used in this way.

Good family homes have been lost to those seeking to own or rent in the city and surrounds through this conversion.

Walk along any street and be surprised by just how many.

The reality, from my observation over many years of involvement in local government, is that action by successive city councils has not only enabled but encouraged this situation.

It is time this consuming of liveable family homes ceased, and planning was commenced to return these houses to the residential market.

It would be a wonderful achievement for our often renowned, innovative and successful architects and planners to give this matter consideration for action throughout greater Hobart, including Glenorchy, Clarence and Kingborough municipalities.

Why cannot dedicated multi-level buildings throughout the CBD and surrounds be identified for use by businesses.

Such buildings can be designed to allow the appropriate qualities required by the many professions and businesses that have taken up existing homes.

The design concept should allow sufficient car parking to cater for the business and attendees, thereby alleviating parking pressures and some of the traffic congestion as well as being convenient for all.

There are many sites that could be considered, including disused factories and car yards.

I salute State Cinema owner John Kelly for his commonsense, practical approach in North Hobart ( Sunday Tasmanian, January 7).

This is sensible planning inclusive of parking for patrons.

State government, councils and the private sector may decide to develop and own such establishments, ensuring fair ownership through strata title or fair rental agreements.

Alternatively, the move could be legislated.

The challenge goes out to the State Government, city council and all those businesses, doctors, physiotherapists, chiropractors, dentists and real estate agents — to name just a few that are occupying these liveable homes — to seriously consider this concept. Trevor Cordwell is former state secretary of the Australian Services Union, served on state government boards including TT-Line and the local government review board, and was a self-employed consultant.