ALL IN Aday’s
work
Beds in sheds Tim Rolt is leading Brent Council’s crackdown on illegal landlords who flout planning rules by renting outbuildings for people to living in. The practice, called ‘beds in sheds’, often involves landlords exploiting tenants, by providing poor quality, unsuitable accommodation which can also cause complaints because of the impact the buildings have on neighbouring properties. Tim, who is the council’s Planning Enforcement Manager, said: “Most are just like bungalows at the bottom of the garden but occasionally they are literally sheds of a really poor standard with people living in them. “The worse case I’ve ever seen was in Dollis Hill. It was damp, had wires all over the place, mould and it smelt horrible. It was truly awful. “Landlords like this are making themselves a quick buck by taking advantage of vulnerable people who think they have no where else to live.” As part of a Government-funded project, special investigators will shortly begin a pilot initiative checking two areas in Brent thought to be hotspots for beds in sheds. The information gathered will give Tim and his colleagues a better idea of the scale of the problem, after which a blitz in one ward will be followed by enforcement action quadrupling early next year in the worst affected areas. As well as leading on the project to tackle beds in sheds, Tim manages five planning enforcement officers. They act
when planning rules have been broken and Brent’s team are the third busiest in London. They are often called on to take action against noisy revellers in outdoor smoking areas at pubs and bars or after neighbours complain about badlyconstructed extensions. First they take legal action to get an enforcement notice ordering landowners to fix the problem and, if that is ignored, can call in the bulldozers. As well as managing the team, Tim handles prosecutions and complex investigations but he most enjoys inspecting properties. He said: “Getting out in the field is the most enjoyable part of the job. Someone builds an ugly building and you can serve a notice and make them improve it. I really enjoy making the difference and protecting the environment.” www.brent.gov.uk/planning 020 8937 5280
“Landlords are making themselves a quick buck by taking advantage of vulnerable people who think they have no where else to live.”
OCTOBER 2012
THE BRENT MAGAZINE
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