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Stricter construction standards with penalties for violators coming

A section of Tortola. (BVI News photo)

The Town and Country Planning Department  will enforce stricter compliance with construction and development standards, introducing penalties to address breaches of the territory’s Planning Act.

During his recent Speech from the Throne, Governor Daniel Pruce highlighted persistent violations stemming from weak enforcement mechanisms. He said the TCPD has identified measures to prevent future breaches.

“Violations often arise from non-compliance with planning approvals, unauthorized alterations, or deviations from established guidelines,” Governor Pruce stated. “The Town and Country Planning Department has determined that the current legislative framework lacks the authority needed to take swift and decisive action against violators,” the Governor continued.

To address these challenges, the Governor announced that the department is prioritizing legislative amendments to enhance enforcement powers.

“The proposed amendments to the Physical Planning Act 2004will introduce a system of civil penalties, fines, and other enforcement mechanisms to address breaches promptly and effectively,” the Governor said.

Efforts to modernise construction and development oversight date back to 2018, with the introduction of the Architects and Engineers Registration Bill. This legislation was designed to govern architects and engineers, complementing a revised building code to enhance enforcement and strengthen the Physical Planning Act.

The current administration has indicated plans to reintroduce the Architects and Engineers Registration Bill for passage in 2025, signalling a continued commitment to improving the territory’s construction and development framework.

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4 Comments

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  1. Well says:

    Also address the crooked, upper-handedness some of these contractors show towards people. They overprice and charge, especially when they work for persons they feel don’t know the work, especially women.

  2. What!!! says:

    More legislation which will never be enforced.

  3. Bree says:

    @Well

    Thant’s why I have male relative/friend with me when I talk to them. They can explain it and make sure I’m not getting a six for a nine.

  4. Crooked Teamwork says:

    They steal your material and use on other jobs too. Some do not care, run women all day long and let some loosers put poor workmanship into your building. For God’s sake do not give them your money to spend, a stupid thing the banks once did which I do not even think is legal bc who borrows the money. Not the contractor, so why are they given the right to bad spend it and do not have to pay back. Bunch of crooks.

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