Information on Loughborough

Loughborough Magistrates fine owner

Posted on 28/01/2010
newsdesk

A man who converted a shop into flats without adhering to building regulations has been ordered to pay out more than £1,500 by a court.

Loughborough Magistrates said they were “horrified” by the conditions Joynal Abedin’s tenants were living in following the bodged work.

Abedin, of Boyer Street, Loughborough, pleaded guilty to a number of breaches of the regulations after being prosecuted by Charnwood Borough Council’s Building Control Services department.

The court heard how he had converted part of a shop at 144-146 King Street, Loughborough, into two flats.

Fire hazards were identified and issues with the foul water drains were raised amongst other concerns.

Abedin was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £500 legal costs with a £15 victim surcharge after admitting the breaches.

In coming to their decision, Magistrates said they were concerned that there remained incomplete/unsafe works.

David Slater, Cabinet Member for Planning at Charnwood Borough Council, said: “Building regulations are there for a reason: they are designed to uphold people’s health, safety and welfare.

“We take any reports of people failing to comply with them very seriously and, as this case shows, we will take tough action if necessary.”

The charges were brought under section 35 of the Building Act 1984 and the Building Regulations 2000.

The council has a duty to apply the powers that have been granted to it with regard to enforcement of the building regulations.

These regulations are designed to uphold the health, safety, welfare and convenience of people in or about buildings. They also provide the legal basis for ensuring that buildings are designed to meet the Government’s targets on reducing CO2 emissions.

If you are concerned that someone has failed to comply with building regulations, contact the council’s Building Control Services on 01509 634757 or 634924.