Builder faces charges for unpermitted townhouse construction

A builder in Melbourne's north-west faces criminal charges for allegedly violating building regulations. The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) claims Buildqa Pty Ltd and its director, Nicholas Artusa, constructed two three-storey townhouses without the proper permit. The original permit only allowed work up to the slab level. The VBA obtained a court order to stop construction after Hume City Council issued a stop-work order in December. However, the property owner, Ihab Al Azhari, claims he was unaware of the council's orders. He said he only learned of the issue when he asked Artusa why work had stopped. Al Azhari noted that Artusa's team mistakenly believed they had a complete building permit. He also mentioned that two buildings have already been partially completed, including some brickwork and windows. A magistrate has instructed Al Azhari and Buildqa to hire a surveyor to check if the construction meets legal standards. If Buildqa is found guilty of breaching the Building Act, it could face fines of nearly $1 million, and Artusa could face a $100,000 fine. Al Azhari said he obtained planning approval but learned about the legal issues last month. He emphasized that he feels the impact of the situation personally.