Builders fined for dangerous loft conversion

Archived press release

Date Published: 03/04/07

A Buckinghamshire-based building company has pleaded guilty to carrying out dangerous building work without approval from Aylesbury Vale District Council. Sarimar Builders Ltd based in Britwell Road, Burnham, and Leonard Gore, a director of the c...

A Buckinghamshire-based building company has pleaded guilty to carrying out dangerous building work without approval from Aylesbury Vale District Council.

Sarimar Builders Ltd based in Britwell Road, Burnham, and Leonard Gore, a director of the company, were fined under the Building Act for four contraventions of building regulations after completing illegal loft conversion work at a residential property in Hampden Road, Wendover.

The company was fined £250 for each offence. These were: failing to make a building regulation application; failing to provide sufficient structural support; failing to provide adequate means of escape in case of a fire; and failing to provide adequate thermal insulation.

Mr Gore, of Grubbins Lane, Speen, was fined £650 for each of these contraventions and ordered to pay a contribution towards the council’s costs at Aylesbury Magistrates Court on 22 March.

The offences were committed between 23 August and 1 September last year. Building control officers were informed of the work by a neighbour who was worried about the stability of her chimney.

Adam Heeley, Building Control and Access Manager, said: “We hope that this prosecution will act as a deterrent to those who carry out illegal and dangerous work to properties. AVDC takes its building control responsibility very seriously. We will always pursue companies and individuals who endanger the lives of others through their unlawful and unsafe work.”

If residents have any questions about alterations, loft conversions or extensions to their properties, please call the council’s building control team on 01296 585450 or email buildingcontrol@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk