A developer who built a larger block of flats than councillors approved is making a fresh attempt to secure planning permission after being ordered to demolish the building.
Surbjit Aulak was given permission in 2018 to build a two-storey structure containing two maisonettes in Forest Gate. But he went beyond the initial consent and instead built a three-storey development with two flats and two studios behind 316 Romford Road.
Enforcement and appeal
Newham Council issued an enforcement notice in 2022 and ordered the building's demolition, describing it as "low-quality housing" with undersized accommodation. After an appeal, a government planning inspector ruled the building could remain if altered to comply more closely with approved plans.
Mr Aulak has now submitted fresh proposals in a bid to convince councillors to approve amended designs that would allow him to keep the building.
Details of the revised plans
The Labour-led council approved Mr Aulak's plans for two maisonettes eight years ago. However, instead of building the approved plans, Mr Aulak built a three-storey building of four homes, including a two-bedroom flat on the ground floor, another on the first floor and two studios on the top floor.
The enforcement notice criticised the building for its "poor" design. It said: "The undersized accommodation does not provide for an adequate or healthy living environment for existing and future occupants."
After Mr Aulak appealed, the Government's Planning Inspectorate said the developer did not have to demolish the building as long as he made it fit with the original planning permission. He then applied for planning permission in 2024 to convert the building so that it contained one two-bed flat and one four-bed maisonette, but the council refused this on similar grounds.
Mr Aulak has now submitted a planning application for a new design. He wants to keep the two flats on the ground and first floor and convert the top-floor studios into a one-bed flat. A statement submitted with his application, published online late last month, claims he received advice from planning officers before he applied that his new design would be acceptable.
Context on local housing
Newham has the highest homelessness rate in the country, according to UK Government figures, with thousands of people in temporary accommodation, such as hotels and bed and breakfasts, while they wait for permanent homes.
