Confiscation order served concerning illegal Hoxton flats one of the biggest ever

Having built an illegal six-storey block of flats in London, sole director of Garland Development Limited Mr Yusuf Sarodia has been served with a substantial £700,000 confiscation order, thought to be one of the biggest ever in relation to a planning offence.

The case dates back to 2011, when Hackney Council first served an enforcement notice in relation to the property – having discovered its illegal nature. Last month, the company’s director was sentenced for the offence of failing to demolish the property, with the Local Authority also bringing proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act to execute the confiscation order.

Having successfully confirmed the £700,000 order, Hackney Council will receive one third, with this sum reinvested in planning enforcement. The remainder will go to the court and the Treasury.

Garland Development and Sarodia are yet to demolish the property and the council has said that it will consider further enforcement if action is not taken.

Cllr Guy Nicholson, Hackney’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, commented:

“Anyone who thinks they have a right to build a property in Hackney without first obtaining planning permission must realise that the council will take action against those who flout the rules.

“Putting up a building without planning permission is not only breaching planning law but to be quite frank puts at risk the safety of residents and neighbouring properties.”

SRJ                                                                                                                     16.12.15

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