By Xavier Smerdon
THE difference between a pergola and a verandah could cost a Werribee resident almost his entire fortnightly pension.
Rob Ashford built a pergola without a permit five years ago after the State Government announced a new scheme that would make them exempt from requiring authorisation.
At the time the initiative was called Cutting the Red Tape in Planning. Five years later however, Wyndham City Council claims that the 71-year-old must pay for a permit or remove the structure because what he has built is considered a verandah, not a pergola.
“Wyndham City has investigated illegal construction works on Mr Ashford’s property and deemed the structure to be a veranda, not a pergola,” Wyndham Council CEO Kerry Thompson said.
“A pergola is defined as ‘an open structure that is unroofed but may have a covering of open weave permeable material’. A verandah is a similar construction but has a roof covering.”
Mr Ashford said he would fight the council’s decision.
“I don’t care what they call it,” Mr Ashford said.
“I built it and I’m proud of it.”
The council said they had given Mr Ashford three options, pay for a permit, get a private building surveyor to certify the structure, or remove it.
“They’ve got no compassion,” Mr Ashford said.
“It doesn’t matter a stuff if you are a pensioner or working, times are tight.
“All we want is to be able to have the enjoyment of our home without someone sticking their noses over the fence.”
If Mr Ashford refuses to comply with the council’s orders, the issue may be taken to the Magistrates’ Court.
