Royal Greenwich Landlord Fined £3,677 For Violating Planning Regulations After Renting Out Poorly-built Outbuilding

by our RBG Correspondent

Action by the Royal Borough of Greenwich has seen a local landlord receive a hefty fine for renting out an inadequate living space in Congress Road, Abbey Wood.

The council successfully pursued action against Nathaniel Munonye, who was fined a total of £1,200 with a victim surcharge of £120 after pleading guilty to violating planning regulations at Bexley Magistrates Court last month (28 June). The council was also awarded its full costs of the prosecution which amounted to £2,357.36.

Mr Munonye was required to make the first payment within 14 days. Representing himself, Mr Munonye argued in mitigation that he was unsure as to what the planning enforcement notice expected of him.

The council’s Planning Enforcement team investigated Mr Munonye after discovering that he constructed and rented out an outbuilding in Congress Road to a woman and her young son.

A planning enforcement notice was issued after it was found that the outbuilding was self-contained and not part of a larger rental property, and had a bedroom space, kitchen, toilet facilities and shower packed into the small space.

The notice required Mr Munonye to stop allowing the outbuilding to be used for living and for him to remove the kitchen and shower facilities. Despite a series of negotiations with the council, Mr Munonye failed to remedy right the breach of planning control, meaning it became a matter for court.

The property will be inspected in due course by the council to ensure compliance with the respective notices.

Councillor Danny Thorpe (top right), Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Sustainability at the Royal Borough, said: “Renting sub-standard accommodation with no planning permission or approval is a serious offence. It can contribute to a hazardous living environment, and one that can cause overpopulation of streets adding further loads on services such as waste and recycling."

“I am pleased that the council has successfully pursued action against this individual. It illustrates that we are committed to tackling irresponsible landlords and poor quality accommodation for the benefit of our residents.”

Residents can contact the council’s Planning Enforcement team by emailing enforcement@royalgreenwich.gov.uk or calling 020 8921 5559.