Running a burger bar might sound tasty, but doing it without the proper planning permission has left one South Tyneside businessman with a bitter bill to pay.
Majid Faek, who owns Santanos Burger Bar on Victoria Road East in Hebburn, has been fined £17,708 after South Tyneside Magistrates found he was operating his place as a takeaway without permission. On top of that, he must cover £5,365 in council costs and a £7,080 victim surcharge — adding up to a hefty lesson in why planning rules shouldn’t be ignored.
Faek was told back in 2023 to stop running the burger bar as a takeaway but chose to carry on trading. He claimed the business was for eat-in customers only, but council officers thought otherwise and launched undercover checks. They gathered enough proof to take him to court for breaching a planning enforcement notice issued in December 2023.
Councillor Margaret Meling, South Tyneside Council’s lead member for economic growth and transport, summed it up well: “Planning rules exist for good reason — they keep people, places and the local environment protected. Ignoring them isn’t just a minor slip. We won’t hesitate to take action.”
In a separate case, David Jeffels was fined £313 for breaching a Tree Preservation Order after hiring a tree surgeon to cut branches off four protected trees at his West Boldon home last November. He now has to pay the fine plus £525 in costs and a £125 victim surcharge — a reminder that local rules cover more than just buildings.
This whole story is a good reminder that skipping a proper planning application can open the door to all sorts of headaches later on — from enforcement notices and retrospective applications to unexpected fines. To help you stay out of trouble, we’ve got a clear, down-to-earth guide you can check out here: What happens if you ignore an enforcement notice?.
And if you’d rather avoid all the stress altogether, why not chat with a professional before you get started? It’s the easiest way to make sure you’re doing things right from day one. We’re here to help with friendly, expert advice whenever you need it: Take a look at our pre-planning advice service.
At Homz, we’re dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of planning and design with ease. Whether you’re dealing with planning permissions or seeking expert advice, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today: Contact Homz.
