Unconsented building consent worry

MANAWATU District Council is concerned at a noticeable trend in the district of building work being carried out without authorised building consents.

Regulatory Supervisor, Karel Boakes, said 11 Notices to Fix relating to unconsented building work had been issued in the last five months, mainly in the wider rural area.
“Council became aware of the trend through an increased focus on regulatory building requirements,” she said, “and as a result a number of notices have had to be issued in a relatively short space of time.”

Ms Boakes said the problem largely involved stand-alone units, separate to the main dwelling, which had been moved onto the property without any foundation and drainage connections. They were also an older-type structure that had received little or no maintenance.
She said it was important that building owners, designers and developers obtained building consents prior to starting work.

“Illegal building work may be unsafe for building users and neighbours and is problematic for owners when the time comes to sell a property.”

The Building Act 2004 provides for territorial authorities to issue a $750 infringement notice for building without a consent, and though this was usually a last resort, the MDC has the process in place to carry out such action for repeat offenders or wilful contravention.

Ms Boakes said a number of information brochures on building consents were available at the Manawatu District Council’s administration building in Manchester Street, Feilding, as well as on council’s website, www.mdc.govt.nz

“Council can help in determining whether a consent is required and whether there are any planning issues of which you need to be aware,” she said, “and don’t hesitate to contact a building and planning officer if you are unsure.”