Northern Ireland developers damaging listed buildings face £100k fines.
Courts can now fine developers up to £100,000 if they demolish a listed building or fell trees which are protected by a preservation order. The new fines are three times higher than those previously in place and are part of the DOE’s new Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.
Environment Minister Alex Attwood said they would act as a deterrent to “unscrupulous developers” by denting or wiping out any potential profits.
The higher fines are part of a series of measures included within the Planning Act which strengthen enforcement powers.
While most of the act will not come into force until the assembly decides to transfer planning powers to councils, the higher fines will have immediate effect.
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