Sydney Developer Fined $200,000 For Demolishing Heritage Building

The New South Wales Land and Environment Court has found a Sydney property developer liable for illegally demolishing a heritage row of shopfronts in Sydney's inner west.

Leichardt Council has approved a redevelopment of the building, on the condition that the row's original facade was retained. But Geitonia, owned by Bill Gertos, had disregarded the order.

According to a report by the ABC, Justice Peter Biscoe fined the developer $150,000 and his company a further $50,000. He also fined the builder who demolished the facade $50,000.

The developer was facing maximum fines of up to $1.1 million.

Speaking with the ABC, Justice Biscoe said the severity of the fines suited the crime.

"At the end of the day Mr Gertos stands out as far more culpable than the other defendants because they offended because of what Mr Gertos did.""The sentence needs to operate as a powerful factor in preventing the commission of similar crimes by persons who might be tempted to do so."ALSO SEE:

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