In a significant case of illegal property conversion, Amarjit Singh and Jasbinder Kaur have been ordered to pay £250,055.80 under the Proceeds of Crime Act for illegally transforming a family home into flats. This amount represents the income they earned from renting out the five illegal units.
The issue began back in 2018, when Hillingdon Council’s planning enforcement team investigated a property on Maple Avenue after receiving reports about an unauthorised outbuilding in the garden. Upon inspection, officers discovered a fully-equipped living space, and it was later confirmed that the main house had been subdivided into four self-contained flats. None of this had received planning approval.
Despite being issued with a planning enforcement notice in November 2018, which required the property to be returned to a single dwelling by March 2019, Singh and Kaur ignored the order. The case escalated after a detailed financial investigation revealed the rental income from these illegal flats. As a result, the case was referred to Isleworth Crown Court for sentencing and confiscation proceedings.
In addition to the confiscation order, both Singh and Kaur have been fined £10,000 each and ordered to pay £4,480 in prosecution costs. They must pay the full amount within three months, or face up to two years and nine months in prison if they default on the payment.
Councillor Steve Tuckwell from Hillingdon Council remarked:
“This is a major victory for our planning enforcement and trading standards teams. It sends a clear message that illegal conversions and rental properties will not be tolerated in our borough.”
Not submitting the proper planning application on time can result in significant issues, such as enforcement notices, retrospective applications, and substantial fines. Failing to address these matters, particularly enforcement notices, can worsen the situation, potentially leading to additional legal procedures and financial penalties. To avoid these complications and associated risks, it’s important to take action promptly and seek professional advice to ensure you’re on the right track. Our expert services are available to help you navigate the planning process with ease: Pre-Planning Advice. We’re here to make things easier for you and help you stay on track!
At Homz, we’re committed to helping you navigate the complexities of planning and design with confidence. Whether you’re dealing with planning permissions, need to address enforcement notices, or require expert advice, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today: Contact Homz.
References:
1.) https://www.theplanner.co.uk/2025/04/23/ps250k-confiscation-order-converting-house-flats
