Two unauthorised outhouses were demolished in Southall by Ealing Council at the end of September. This brings the total number of illegal outbuildings taken down in the borough to five within a month.

Demolition of the substandard residences at the back of 201 Scotts Road, Southall, took place over the weekend of 26 September 2015. Action was taken after the landlord, Mrs Nadeem, failed to comply with an enforcement notice that was served on her in the summer of 2014.

The buildings were initially discovered in October 2013 after a resident reported the planning breach to the council. Mrs Nadeem was subsequently served with the notice in 2014 that required her to stop using the outbuildings and to demolish them both by December 2014.

A formal warning was issued to Mrs Nadeem when the deadline passed with no remedial action being taken. She again failed to comply leaving the council with no choice but to demolish the outhouses.

At the time of the demolition, the outbuildings were found to be in very poor condition with damp and no insulation. They were also being occupied by five people and a small child, despite the landlord insisting the buildings were empty. The occupants have since found alternative accommodation.

Councillor Julian Bell, leader of the council, said: "I am always astounded when I see and hear about the unacceptable conditions that landlords of unauthorised outbuildings expect tenants to live in. These illegal structures are substandard and do not meet the planning regulations that are in place to protect our residents and communities. They will not be tolerated and the council will take robust action where owners fail to comply with enforcement notices."

Mrs Nadeem will get a bill for the full cost of the demolition works carried out by Ealing Council. If the bill is not settled a charge will be placed on the properties on site which will incur interest until the outstanding money is paid in full.

In addition to these two buildings, the council also took enforcement action in August to remove three illegal outhouses in East Acton, W3.