Court action over persistent planning breach

Failure to comply with a planning enforcement notice has resulted in a court appearance, fines and costs.

Slough Borough Council received a complaint in April 2018 regarding a potential breach of planning control involving a self-contained outbuilding at a property in Stoke Road, Slough.

Following investigation, an Enforcement Notice was issued on 2 February 2022. The notice required remediation of breaches described as ‘the conversion of an outbuilding to a self-contained dwelling and the erection of an unauthorised dormer extension’.

The notice was appealed by the owner, Shaukat Ali, but the appeal was dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate in March 2024. Compliance with the notice was therefore required within six months, by September 2024.

A further site inspection was carried out by a Planning Enforcement Officer on 23 May 2025. Officers found that use of the outbuilding as a self-contained unit had stopped, with kitchen and bathroom facilities removed. However, unauthorised dormer extensions and alterations to the roof, including enlarged eaves, remained in place. Full removal of the unauthorised roof works was still required to comply with the notice.

On 22 October 2025, the owners were formally advised that failure to comply with the notice was an offence and that legal proceedings were being considered.

The case was heard at Slough Magistrates' Court on 27 March, where guilty pleas were entered.

Shaukat Ali was fined £923, ordered to pay £1,150 in costs and a £369 victim surcharge, totalling £2,442.

Nargis Ali was fined £566, ordered to pay £1,150 in costs and a £226 victim surcharge, totalling £1,942.

Councillor Paul Kelly, lead member for planning, parking, highways and transport, said: “This case demonstrates that the council will take action where planning enforcement notices are not complied with.

“We encourage residents to seek advice before carrying out development and to engage with the council promptly where breaches arise.

“Failure to comply with an enforcement notice can lead to prosecution, fines, legal costs and further enforcement action. The council remains committed to protecting and improving the built environment of Slough.”

Further enforcement action may be considered if the notice is not complied with in full.