Inner west builders fined for unauthorised works

Burwood council has taken two builders to the NSW Land and Environment Court for failing to get approval for construction works.

Burwood Council took two men to court for carrying out building works without council approval. Picture: Sarah Matray

Two builders have been fined for carrying out unauthorised construction works in Burwood in separate incidents.

The NSW Land and Environment Court convicted two builders in unrelated rulings after Burwood Council raised concerns about a lack of approval for the works.

Burwood Mayor John Faker said most building works required permission from council and that staff will work to maintain this process.

Burwood mayor John Faker Burwood.

One builder did not receive council approval before he carried out road opening works at a stormwater drain in Croydon.

He was issued with a $3000 fine in January and contested the fine in court.

Burwood council presented evidence about the unlawful construction and the builder changed his plea to guilty.

He was fined $11,000, of which $1,500 would need to be paid to council.

The second convicted builder poured concrete in a Burwood street without council approval.

One man was convicted at the NSW Land and Environment Court for pouring concrete without council approval.

He was issued with a $6000 fine at the time, which he contested in court.

The builder’s business representatives did not attend the hearing.

He was fined $10,000 and ordered to pay $3,411 to the council.

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