Unapproved building works proves costly

Ignoring a notice to fix for un-consented building works has proven costly for owners of a Pakuranga property.



The Manukau City Council has successfully prosecuted owners, Indra Shekar Sirigiri and Manasa Sirigiri for failing to comply with a notice to fix issued by the council under the provisions of the Building Act 2004.



Mr and Mrs Sirigiri were each fined $6000 last month in the Manukau District Court, by Judge Lee.



The building work involved constructing a carport without first obtaining a building consent. The council advised the owners that the carport was not authorised, then issued them with a notice to fix. This required the owners to obtain a building consent for the demolition of the carport.



In sentencing, Judge Lee emphasised the fact that the defendants had known the structure was unauthorised since February 2005 and blatantly chose not to comply with the council’s requirements.



Manukau City Council Compliance and Enforcement Manager Kevin Jackson says people need to ensure they have the necessary approvals before commencing work on their properties.



“People can’t ignore the Building Act, if it says you need to get consent then that’s what you have to do. It’s a matter of ensuring building works meet a minimum standard of safety and design for the public and any future owners.



“Check with the council first because, without a building consent, owners may not only be liable for fines they might also have difficulty selling the building in the future or getting insurance.”



Anyone considering building should contact the council’s call centre on 262 5104 or check out the website www.manukau.govt.nz