Section 249 raises fines from £30,000 to £100,000 for certain offences (relating to control of works for demolition, alteration or extension of a listed building and contravention of tree preservation orders) under Articles 44(6) and 66(1) of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991.
The section also provides that the provisions amending the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991, increasing fines from £30,000 to £100,000, do not have effect in relation to any relevant offence committed before the commencement date. The increased fines are effective from Royal Assent.