Joint action by councils sees landlord fined £310k for planning breaches

Joint action by enforcement officers from the London boroughs of Brent and Harrow has seen a landlord fined more than £310,000 for creating 28 flats in four houses in breach of planning regulations.

A judge at Harrow Crown Court ruled last week that Vispasp Sarkari must pay £303,000 under proceeds of crime legislation and £7,515 for the planning breaches. The defendant was also ordered to pay more than £18,000 in legal costs.

Sarkari, of Ivanhoe Drive in Harrow, must pay the fine within six months or face a three-and-a-half years in prison.

Harrow and Brent launched an investigation after the 50-year-old was convicted of putting four flats into a terraced house in Wembley. The case involved properties in a range of different locations.

Half of the money will go to HM Treasury, with the rest split between the two councils, Harrow and Brent Trading Standards, and the court collection agency.

Cllr Keith Ferry, Harrow Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning and Enterprise, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to send out a clear message that we will not allow people to profit from illegal conversions.

"This landlord ignored planning rules designed to ensure that the quality of accommodation in the boroughs is maintained and that the environment for surrounding residents is protected. He ignored the council’s notices. As a result, he profited hugely from this sub standard accommodation.”