Two landlords who refused to stop using their property as an HMO despite instruction from the Planning Inspectorate have been found guilty.
Colin and Susan Woodard purchased the property in Dagenham in June 2016. In August 2019, Colin Woodward applied for an HMO licence, which was granted the following month.
However, Barking and Dagenham Council told the Woodwards that planning permission was required to operate as an HMO. A retrospective planning application was submitted but refused in January 2020.
A Planning Enforcement Notice was served, requiring the cessation of HMO use and removal of related fixtures. Despite appealing to the Planning Inspectorate, both appeals were dismissed in November 2020.
Therefore, compliance of the Enforcement Notice was required by May 2021. However. during a visit by council officers in November 2021, it was revealed the property was still being used as a HMO.
As a result, the Woodwards were summoned to Barkingside Magistrates Court in September 2022 where they pleaded not guilty.
But on 27 August 2024, they appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court where they changed their pleas to guilty.
They were each fined £6,000 plus £3,000 in costs, totalling £18,000.
A council spokesperson saysL “The actions taken against Mr. and Mrs. Woodward demonstrate our dedication to upholding these standards. Despite multiple warnings and opportunities to rectify the situation, they continued to ignore our Enforcement Team which left them with no choice but to pursue legal action. We hope this case serves as a reminder that planning regulations are in place for a reason and must be adhered to.”
This article is taken from Landlord Today