A West Drayton couple has been hit with hefty fines after repeatedly flouting planning regulations and causing disruption with waste-related commercial activities on their property.
Kulwant Malhi, 60, and Gurpreet Kaur Malhi, 46, from Philcote, The Common, West Drayton, were found guilty of breaching planning control regulations and failing to comply with a planning enforcement notice after using their property for commercial purposes. The couple, directors of EJD Investments Ltd, appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 18 February, where they were handed fines following a lengthy investigation by Hillingdon Council.
The planning enforcement investigation began in March 2023 after multiple complaints from local residents about heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) frequently accessing the property. Upon inspection, the council found that the property, which includes a large amenity space and concrete pathway, was being used for commercial storage, distribution, and waste transfer. The land was being used to store skips, diggers, and construction materials, violating planning regulations.
The court was told that the council had first issued a warning letter in March 2023, giving the property owners four weeks to remedy the breach. By June 2023, the Malhis had cleared the site. However, by February 2024, the council received further complaints, indicating that commercial activity had resumed. A planning enforcement notice was subsequently issued in March 2024, requiring the Malhis to stop all business activities and clear the land by 17 May 2024.
Despite this, residents continued to report HGV movements on the site, often at disruptive hours in the early morning or late at night. A council inspection on 24 September found that the notice had not been complied with, with more than 30 skips still on the land.
In their defence, the Malhis argued that the violation was a mistake and that they would not repeat the improper use of the land. Nevertheless, the court found the evidence compelling and issued fines. Kulwant Malhi was fined £750 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £300, while Gurpreet Malhi was fined £1,259 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £504. EJD Investments Ltd, the company the couple directs, was fined £1,920, with additional victim surcharges and prosecution costs totalling £3,535.
Cllr Steve Tuckwell, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing, and Growth, commented on the case: "This is a great result for our planning enforcement team who work hard to stop crimes like this, which blight our neighbourhoods, put residents at risk, and disrupt their lives. Our planning laws are in place to keep residents safe and protect the environment, and when required, we will take robust action to enforce them."
Local residents expressed their frustration over the ongoing disruption. One local, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said: "It's been a nightmare. The noise at all hours and the constant flow of trucks through our quiet street is unbearable. I'm glad to see the council take action, but it should never have gotten this far."
The court's decision serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to planning regulations, ensuring that both residents and the environment are protected from disruptive and illegal activities.
For those wishing to report any unauthorised use of land or breaches of planning regulations, they can visit Hillingdon Council's Planning Enforcement page.
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