Court Backs Councils Vigilance On Builders

Published on 02 August 2019

Two Sydney builders have been convicted by the courts for carrying out work without approval, as Burwood Council staff remain vigilant for unlawful building activity.

The NSW Land and Environment Court recently upheld council concerns and convicted two builders in unrelated decisions.

One builder carried out road opening works at Croydon in January for a stormwater drain.

The builder did not gain approval from the council for the road opening. A $3,000 was issued, which the builder contested in court.

Council's legal representatives presented overwhelming evidence of the breach, and the builder changed his plea to guilty.

He was fined $11,000 and ordered to pay $1,500 in costs to the council.

Burwood Mayor John Faker said most building work required permission and council staff would ensure the process was followed.

"We will continue to make sure building activity in the Burwood area is done safely, and to the high standards our residents expect," he said.

In the other case, a builder conducted a concrete pour in a Burwood street in October 2017.

The builder did not gain approval from the council to occupy the road.

A $6,000 fine was issued, which the builder contested in court.

However representatives of the business did not attend the hearing and were found guilty.

The builder was fined $10,000 and ordered to pay $3,411 in costs to the council.