NORTHERN Beaches Council welcomes the Local Court’s recent decision imposing a $100,000 penalty plus court costs for unauthorised development works on a local property.
Four years ago, a complaint was made about a residential property in Palm Beach, alleging illegal construction activities involving a carport. Council issued a Development Control Order, requiring the property owner to comply with development standards.
The owner commenced proceedings in the Land and Environment Court appealing the order.
An agreement was reached between Council and the owner after a conciliation conference, whereby the Land and Environment Court issued a substituted order in February of 2022, requiring the demolition of the carport roof.
However, the agreement was not completed in the necessary time. Subsequently, Council issued a further Penalty Infringement Notice amounting to $6000 in April of 2023.
The owner felt the Local Court should deal with this matter. The owner pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the Development Control Order, which resulted in the Court imposing a fine of $100,000 on the property owner.
The Land and Environment Court’s final decision reminds residents of the potential financial and legal repercussions of undertaking unlawful development work.
