A landlord in Isleworth has been fined over £115,000 for illegally converting a side extension into a separate unit on the property. 

Shashibhushan Vyas was ordered to pay £115,000 at Isleworth Crown Court after an investigation from Hounslow Council's Planning Enforcement service found he had been renting out the separate unit for six years. 

The tenant living in this unit was found to be living in squalid conditions with a toilet located less than one metre from the kitchen. 

Councillor Tom Bruce, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development at Hounslow Council, said: "Many of the residents who live in these appalling conditions are vulnerable and do not have the resources to challenge their landlords.  

"I am proud of the work the Council's Planning Enforcement team has done in this case; enforcing this breach of planning regulations and addressing the substandard conditions that the tenant was having to suffer. 

"Every resident in this borough has a right to live in comfortable and safe homes and it is important that landlords and others know that we are fully prepared to pursue those who do not follow planning rules." 

Vyas originally converted the unit in 2007 but the council was made aware of it after a neighbour pointed out that it was being rented out. 

In the last year, the Planning Enforcement service have ceased the use of 25 unauthorised residential unity and forced 68 demolitions of unauthorised extensions. 

In the past four years, 12,000 Hounslow residents have benefitted from enforcement action forcing the improvement of 3,900 homes in the borough.