DEMOLITION URGED

Chronicle (Levin), 22 July 1947, Page 4

DEMOLITION URGED

Buildings Erected Without Permit That buildings erected in dCfiance of the instructions of the BUildmg Controller and contrary to local body by-laws should be demolished after a conviction had •been obtained was the unanimous viewpoint of the Levin Borough Coiihcii following a discussion at its meeting last night. It was decided to request the Minister of Housing, Mi\ Semple, to bring down legislatioii during the . present session empowering the ^uilding Controller or local authority to have such buildings demolished. The subject came forward in the form of a recommendation from the council's wbrks eommittee, which reported having considered the question of buildings being erected without a permit having first been obtained, and without the prior consent of the Building Controller. The eommittee pointed out that in the event of proceedings being taken, a fine might be inflicted on the offender but the building remained. There was n.o power to have it demolished or removed. Commenting, the Mayor, Mr. H. B. Burdekin, said that breaches were occurring not only in Levin but in every borough. It was unfair to people who observed the law in the present housing emergency to see so mahy cases where others were "getting away with it." Offenders might be fined, but that was added to the cost of the building. Cr. F. D. Chainey asked whether there would not be an unnecessary waste of valuable material if buildings were demolished as suggested. The Mayor: We want to stop the «.deliberate flouting of the ' law and fines will not do it. If power is given to have buildings demolished it will only need to be carried out once or twice and the practice will cease. Crs. A. O. Powell and W. Telford, who moved and seconded the motion, also remarked that demolition appeared to be the only method which would stop offences.