KEY POINTS:
Altering a Christchurch heritage building without resource consent and damaging a protected tree have cost a company director almost $7000.
Alan Merton Slade, director of Solid Stone, pleaded guilty in Christchurch District Court and was fined $2000 for carrying out unauthorised alterations to the Trinity Church building in central Christchurch and $500 for damaging the tree in the process.
Judge Jon Jackson also ordered Slade to pay council enforcement costs of $4000 and solicitors' fees.
The court was told Solid Stone was installing a commercial kitchen, bar and stage area in the historic stone church at the corner of Manchester and Worcester Sts that has been used as a wedding venue for Asian tourists.
The tree was damaged when equipment fell into it. Slade failed to apply for resource and building consents before carrying out the renovations, breaching the Resource Management Act.
Christchurch City Council inspections and enforcement unit manager Gary Lennan said yesterday the conviction and penalties imposed on Slade should serve as a reminder to developers and renovators to check their responsibilities under the Act.
- NZPA
