Two landlords who refused to stop using their property as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) despite instruction from the Planning Inspectorate have been found guilty at court.

Mr Colin and Susan Woodward purchased the property 414 Dagenham Road, Dagenham in June 2016. In August 2019, Colin Woodward applied for a HMO licence, which was granted in September 2019.

However, the Planning Enforcement Team informed the Woodwards that planning permission was required to operate the property as a 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 in November 2021, it was revealed the property was still being used as a HMO.

As a result, Mr and Mrs Woodward were summoned to Barkingside Magistrates Court in September 2022 where they pleaded not guilty.

And on 27 August 2024, they appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court where they changed their pleas to guilty.

They were each fined £6,000 and £3,000 in Costs to Barking and Dagenham Council, totalling £18,000.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “We are committed to ensuring that all properties within Barking and Dagenham comply with planning regulations. 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.”