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Almost 400 buildings in Hounslow have been reported as 'outbuildings,' buildings created without permission on residential premises, often then let out. Such small studio flats bring in cheap rent under the radar and help tenants escape Council tax.

Two Hounslow men who illegally converted a family home into two flats have been caught out and fined 拢36,000 following a successful prosecution by the Council. Harpreet Singh Randhawa and Tejwant Singh Chahal pleaded guilty to failing to comply with an enforcement notice on a property in Heston. The men had illegally converted the house into two flats and built a third in the back garden. They then let them out.

Cllr. Barbara Reid, Lead member for Environment and Planning, says illegal conversions are damaging the image of the area. Cllr. Babara Reid:

鈥淗ouses on Ash Grove are mainly much needed single family homes. We don鈥檛 want to see this type of property sub-divided into smaller units as this would have an adverse impact on the character of area. Planning rules are there to protect people from unnecessary and often unsafe developments."

The Council hopes such fines will act as a warning to those thinking of subletting illegally or building extensions for renting purposes.

It intends to make 15 - 20 unannounced visits to suspect properties in a bid to crack down on illegal conversions.

Email: ramaa.sharma@bbc.co.uk