Harrow Council has taken action against property owners who have flouted planning rules and failed to take down their unauthorised extensions and developments.
The council’s enforcement officers carried out direct action on Thursday 23 and Friday 24 March, pulling down a range of structures, including an outbuilding, a porch, a kitchen/bathroom, partitions, fencing, and a canopy.
This is the second major planning action taken by the Conservative administration since winning the local election last year, who have pledged to step up their enforcement measures to crack down on unauthorised structures. The council has made it clear that those who build without planning permission will face the consequences.
Cllr Marilyn Ashton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member of Planning and Regeneration at Harrow Council stated: “Our message cannot be any clearer – if you build not in accordance with, or without the benefit of planning permission, you will have to face the consequences. This sort of behaviour is unacceptable and completely unfair on those following the rules. We had no choice but to pull down these unauthorised structures.”
She continued, “This should send a strong message to anyone else who thinks they are above obeying Planning regulations. We take this issue seriously and are putting residents first by taking the necessary actions required.”
The council’s actions demonstrate its commitment to ensuring that planning rules are followed and that unauthorised structures are not allowed to remain in place. The council’s enforcement officers will continue to monitor developments across Harrow and take action where necessary to ensure that the planning regulations are adhered to.