A building company which has had disputes with more than a dozen homeowners and tradespeople in the Canberra region has had its licence renewed by the construction watchdog, with a unique condition.
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The decision to extend the licence for another year has disappointed a number of homeowners who contracted with Andara Homes.
Since June 26 the public ACT builder licence list has shown the company now needs the approval of the Construction Occupations Registrar before it is eligible to do any licensable building work, which includes residential properties, the focus of its trade.
The government has confirmed the condition is the first of its type imposed on an ACT building company, and means the business, led by sole director Simon Anderson, must seek written approval from the watchdog whenever it wants to be appointed on a commencement notice for an ACT project.
A spokeswoman for the Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate refused to outline the criteria the company had to meet to satisfy the registrar.
"This is a matter between the registrar and the licensed entity and not a matter for the public register at this time," she said.
Five clients who had contracted with Andara Homes to build their residences told The Canberra Times they were disappointed by the license renewal, despite the restrictive condition.
Separate from the registrar condition, Andara Homes has in recent weeks had its licence shifted from class A to class C – the most commonly held in the ACT – meaning it could not build properties more than two storeys high, something the government spokeswoman said it had never done anyway.
Mr Anderson refused to comment on the restrictive condition granting power to the registrar or the class change.
“Licence matters are confidential between Andara and the Construction Occupations Registrar and as such are not open to public debate and speculation by the local print media.”
The directorate continues to investigate complaints against Mr Anderson for alleged non-compliance with the Building Act.
Mr Anderson has told ABC TV he is confident he will be cleared.
He has previously denied wrongdoing in all matters.
Environment and Sustainable Development Minister Simon Corbell told a former Andara homeowner in a June 26 letter that a review of building and related licensing legislation would consider potential improvements as a result of the situation involving the company.
“I trust that this gives you some confidence that the agencies involved will be granted greater powers to deal with these situations in the future,” Mr Corbell said.
