A COUPLE from Perivale were handed substantial court fines after failing to comply with an enforcement notice.

It follows the conversion of their home into two self-contained flats.

Shahzad Gul Aga and Mehvash Khan Jakhrani, of Rydal Crescent, appeared at Ealing Magistrates’ Court following an investigation by Ealing Council’s planning enforcement team.

Aga received a fine of £4,000 and was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £125 and costs of £1,000.

Jakhrani was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £125 and costs of £500.

The couple were reported to have converted their house to two flats without permission in April 2009.

An enforcement notice was subsequently issued by the council in April 2011, requiring them to cease the use of the house as two flats, to remove the kitchen on the upper floor, to remove a partition wall and doors installed to separate access to each flat and to remove resulting rubbish from the site.

Aga and Jakhrani failed to comply with the notice and, after issuing a letter of caution in November 2013, the council decided to prosecute the owners.

The couple have been ordered to pay the sums due by monthly instalments starting next month.

If you suspect someone of carrying out work on a property without planning permission you should report your concerns to the council.

Residents can find out more and search for a planning application or a decision at www.ealing.gov.uk/planning