A landlord in West London has been hit with a significant fine after constructing an unauthorised extension to his property and failing to comply with an official order to demolish it.
Court Appearance and Financial Penalty
Saad Ahmad, 44, of The Larches, Uxbridge, appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 18 November. The company director of Optimum Asset Investments Limited pleaded guilty to breaching planning control and failing to comply with an enforcement notice.
The court imposed a total financial penalty of £7,589. This was comprised of a £3,000 fine for his company, a £1,200 victim surcharge, and £3,363 to cover the council's prosecution costs. Ahmad personally received an 18-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay a £26 victim surcharge.
Council Investigation and Design Criticism
The case began when Hillingdon Council planners visited the property at 15 Lynhurst Crescent on 16 November 2022, following complaints from local residents. They discovered an unauthorised front extension, which included a porch and a first-floor side room, built without the required planning consent.
Council inspectors were highly critical of the design, describing its "unattractive box-like and blocky outline which is out of rhythm with other dwellings" in the area.
Failed Applications and Dismissed Appeal
Initially, Ahmad told officers he would submit a retrospective planning application, which he did on 2 February 2023. However, the council's Planning Committee refused this application on 27 March, stating the extension was excessively large, poorly designed, and made the home look cramped. They also noted it failed to comply with the borough's Local Plan.
An appeal to the Planning Inspectorate was subsequently dismissed on 26 September 2023. After the council issued a warning letter on 10 October 2023, demanding removal within 28 days, Ahmad submitted an amended application on 6 November proposing roof alterations. This too was rejected on 8 May 2024, with officers finding it did not address the original concerns.
A formal enforcement notice was issued on 15 August 2024, giving Ahmad until 26 December to demolish the illegal structure. As of now, the extension has still not been fully removed, and the council confirms it is continuing to engage with him prior to any further legal action.
A Warning to Property Owners
Cllr Steve Tuckwell, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing and Growth, commented on the case, stating it should serve as a clear reminder to all residents, landlords, and businesses.
"The correct procedures must be followed when undertaking construction on a property or hiring contractors," he said. "The council offers paid pre-planning advice on all proposals, so there is no excuse for breaching the rules."
He emphasised that planning laws exist to keep residents safe and protect the local environment, adding: "if required, we will not hesitate to take robust action to enforce them."
