Romford Outbuilding Ordered Cleared After Havering Council Wins Enforcement Battle.

A property owner in Romford has been ordered to stop using an outbuilding as a separate home after Havering Council successfully won an enforcement battle.

The Planning Inspectorate has upheld an enforcement notice issued by Havering Council over the unauthorised conversion of an outbuilding in the rear garden of a property in Homeway, Romford. The structure had been turned into a self contained residential unit without planning permission.

Council investigations found the outbuilding was being used as an independent dwelling, complete with living facilities, despite no approval being granted. The enforcement notice was served on the landowner, H & M Property Holdings Ltd, requiring the unlawful use to stop.

The company appealed the decision, claiming the measures demanded by the Council were excessive and that more time should be allowed to comply. However, the Planning Inspectorate rejected those arguments and backed the Council in full.

As part of the upheld enforcement action, the landowner must stop using the outbuilding as a residential unit, remove all facilities that allow it to function as a home including bathroom fittings and kitchen appliances, and clear any debris resulting from the works.

Cllr Graham Williamson, Cabinet Lead for Development and Regeneration, said:

“We welcome the Planning Inspector’s decision, which confirms the Council’s position that the unauthorised conversion and use of this outbuilding as a separate home was unacceptable.

“Planning rules are in place to ensure safe, well-designed and properly regulated development across the borough.

“We will continue to take firm action where these rules are breached.”

The landowner has now been given six months from the date of the Inspector’s decision to fully comply with the enforcement notice.

Havering Council says the ruling sends a clear message that unauthorised developments will not be tolerated and that action will be taken to protect residents and uphold planning standards across the borough.

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