A builder was ordered to remove the extension he built or be fined up to £20,000 as he ignored planning regulations.

Salim Mussa of Southall has been issued with a notice to remove the three story extension he built at 146 Beaconsfield Road, Southall, without receiving planning permission by the 10th of February 2012. He will also be obliged to pay all of the council’s court costs.

Failure to comply with an enforcement notice is an offence that may result in a fine upon conviction in the Magistrate’s Court, and an unlimited fine if convicted by the Crown Court.

An enforcement notice is also entered on the Local Land Charges records, which could make the future sale or financing of the property more difficult.

Councillor Julian Bell, Leader of the council, said: "Planning regulations are laid out for a reason and when necessary we will take action against those who try to flout the law."

"I hope this case serves as a lesson to others who think they can ignore notices from the council in the hope of getting away with building developments without proper planning permissions."