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Unauthorised Building Works Result In Fines for Owner

Successful legal action by Latrobe City Council against a Morwell property owner

By Portal Admin - 12th November 2018 - Back to News

Latrobe City Council has successfully pursued legal action against a Morwell property owner in relation to breaches of the Building Act 1993. The property owner faced charges of failing to obtain a building permit and failing to comply with a building order regarding the construction of a detached garage.

The property owner purchased the new garage and authorised its construction without first obtaining a building permit. A building order was later issued to the property owner requiring rectification works to bring the garage into satisfactory compliance with the Building Regulations. The property owner failed to comply with that order within a reasonable time.

Latrobe City Council’s mayor, Councillor Darrell White said that Council had a responsibility to the wider community to ensure that buildings meet minimum safety standards.

"We must be able to provide assurances that constructions have been properly located and built. This case is a reminder that before any home owner, budding developer or handyman decides to initiate building works that they check with Council or a private building surveyor to confirm if a building permit is required.

"Prosecution is not something we pursue lightly but one that sends the right message to those who may not comply with the regulations and potentially put others in our community in danger," Cr White said.

The property owner was found guilty on both charges and appropriate fines and costs were imposed.

For more information about building permits visit www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/building

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com