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Builder Digs Himself Into HoleLatrobe City Council, CEO Paul Buckley said that the successful prosecution of a Traralgon builder for unapproved excavation work is a clear warning that unsafe and unauthorised building activity will not be tolerated. By Latrobe City - 10th October 2008 - Back to News "Council inspectors attended a building site in Moe in response to a number of complaints from the community.
"Upon visiting the site inspectors found that an unauthorised excavation had taken place.
"The excavation was up to four metres deep and obviously a significant safety risk to any person who may have been in the immediate vicinity.
"The cut of the excavation was so extreme that it prejudiced the adjoining property."
Mr Buckley said that the magistrate found the builder guilty of commencing building work, namely the excavation of a house site to a depth of four metres and in close proximity to the property boundary without a building permit being issued.
"The key message that we want to convey is that excavations for building works should not occur without prior issue of a building permit.
"There are guidelines in place and any builder unsure as to their obligations under those guidelines should contact the council for clarification.
Mr Buckley said that works on sloping sites have become more frequent in recent years.
"We recognise that due to the demand for land that builders are changing their business practices and now utilising land with steeper gradients.
"These sites are generally more undulating and present a range of additional challenges; however we’d like to encourage the industry to work with us on meeting these challenges.
Mr Buckley said that builders, developers and owners who continue to flout the law will be prosecuted.
"The council will not tolerate those who compromise the safety of others and the integrity of adjoining property."
The magistrate did note that the accused was of good character and had taken responsibility for his actions. The conviction was not recorded.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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