Plaistow landlord planned to rent shed with bed in back garden
The "shed with bed" that was built in the garden. - Credit: Archant
This “shed with bed” has been demolished by a landlord who was planning to rent it out in his garden after receiving a record fine of £27,700.
Animur Raja Chowdhury, 41, of Bennett Road, Plaistow, was found guilty at Thames Magistrates’ Court in December for planning illegal flat conversions at a Holborn property, and for building a sub-standard shed at his home.
Chowdury was hit with an order for confiscation of £15,500, fined £2200, and ordered to pay Newham Council’s costs of £10,000.
Earlier this month, Chowdhury demolished the back garden building at Bennett Road and removed the rubble after the council’s planning enforcement officers threatened direct action.
The council has been leading a number of high-profile prosecutions against landlords who they say have been renting out properties in dangerous and inhumane conditions to exploit a lack of affordable housing.