A property owner has been ordered to pay more than £29,000 after failing to comply with planning enforcement action taken by Barking and Dagenham Council.

In 2019, following concerns raised by local residents, the council's Planning Enforcement team carried out an inspection at a property on Trinidad Gardens, Dagenham.

The inspection found that the property had been unlawfully subdivided into two separate dwellings. As a result, the owner, Mr Faikul Choudhury, was served with an Enforcement Notice requiring the property to be returned to a single dwelling.

Despite being given time to comply, subsequent inspections by Planning Enforcement Officers found that the property remained divided into two units. Following further investigation, legal proceedings were initiated.

Mr Choudhury appeared before Barkingside Magistrates' Court on 22 July 2025, where he pleaded guilty. Magistrates committed the matter to Snaresbrook Crown Court for sentencing.

On 17 September 2026, Mr Choudhury was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court. The court imposed a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered him to pay a victim surcharge of £26.

The court also made a Proceeds of Crime Confiscation Order totalling £29,523.32. The amount must be paid within three months or Mr Choudhury faces three months' imprisonment in default of payment.

In addition, Barking and Dagenham Council was awarded £2,000 in costs.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, said: "This case demonstrates that we will not hesitate to take action against those who disregard planning regulations and undermine the character of our neighbourhoods.

"Residents rightly expect planning rules to be followed, and we are grateful to those who report concerns to us.

“This successful outcome sends a clear message that non-compliance can have serious financial consequences."