Have a question?
033 3772 0409

Legal News

“Millionaire landlord” forced to demolish illegal outbuilding or face prosecution (15 August 2016)

Date: 15/08/2016
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, “Millionaire landlord” forced to demolish illegal outbuilding or face prosecution

Hounslow Council’s Housing Enforcement team has forced a millionaire landlord who built an illegal outbuilding at his Feltham home to demolish it.

George Traykov – a EuroMillions and Lotto Millionaire Raffle winner – was required by council enforcement officers to demolish the structure in Shakespeare Avenue or face prosecution and be billed for the cost of demolition.

Traykov also faced a fine of up to £20,000.

Traykov had claimed that the building had been built by the previous owners of the property – but aerial photography records proved he had built it himself.

The council received complaints from residents that the outhouse was being used to house tenantsm but Traykov insisted it was being used for storage.

A visit by housing enforcement officers saw that it had been designed for residential use, with toilet and shower facilities and a residential-style front door and letterbox.

Further investigations revealed that the illegal structure was being rented to two tenants for £600 a month.

Letters were sent to Mr Traykov informing him of his breach of planning laws, followed by an official enforcement notice in March this year to demolish the outbuilding.

Traykov appealed against the enforcement orders, but lost the appeal due to the amount of extensive evidence gathered by Hounslow’s housing enforcement officers.

He finally demolished the illegal outbuilding at the end of July.

The council said that Traykov had previously faced enforcement action for an illegal outbuilding and was required to demolish a similar outbuilding in Harrow.

Leader of Hounslow Council, Councillor Steve Curran, said:

“We’re delighted that Mr Traykov has voluntarily demolished his illegal outbuilding, which at one point was being used to house tenants.

“Mr Traykov has buckled under the pressure of our Housing Enforcement team and has taken matters into his own hands, avoiding a court appearance, potential fine – or further direct action by us to demolish the building ourselves and bill him for the costs.

“Mr Traykov is not the only person we have in our sights – all rogue landlords who build properties in our borough without planning permission can expect a knock on the door from our housing enforcement officers.

“Anyone who thinks they can get away with it should think again.”

Duncan Lewis Property and Housing Solicitors

Duncan Lewis property and housing solicitors can advise on a wide range of housing law, including advising developers and self-builders on planning applications and appeals.

There are Duncan Lewis offices across the UK and our property lawyers and housing team are also able to advise on:

• Conveyancing services
• Debt management for homeowners
• Disrepair of rented property
• Housing Benefit
• Housing possession
• Landlords’ obligations
• Landlord and tenant disputes
• Lease extensions
• Local Authority housing
• Mortgage repossession
• Notice to quit
• Nuisance neighbours
• Right to Buy
• Right to Rent checks
• Tenancy agreements
• Unlawful eviction.

For expert legal advice on housing law, call Duncan Lewis property and housing solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

Call us now on 033 3772 0409 or click here to send online enquiry.
Duncan Lewis is the trading name of Duncan Lewis (Solicitors) Limited. Registered Office is Spencer House, 29 Grove Hill Road, Harrow, HA1 3BN. Company Reg. No. 3718422. VAT Reg. No. 718729013. A list of the company's Directors is displayed at the registered offices address. Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority . Offices all across London and in major cities in the UK. ©Duncan Lewis >>Legal Disclaimer, Copyright & Privacy Policy. Duncan Lewis do not accept service by email.