Rogue landlord loses appeal over illegal use of old police station
The Planning Inspectorate has rejected an appeal against enforcement action by Enfield Council in North London.
A rogue landlord caught using an old police station to house homeless people has lost an appeal against council enforcement action.
Enfield Council in North London served a formal notice on the landlord for unlawfully operating the former police building in Southgate (pictured) as a hostel.
And now the Planning Inspectorate has supported the local authority by turning down an appeal from the landlord, the Enfield Dispatch reports.
Investigations
The landlord has been given until May 2026 to comply with the original enforcement notice.
After investigations lasting several weeks, the council confirmed a breach at the building in Chase Side.
The building was not only illegally advertised for room rentals, but also housed tenants placed by other London boroughs.
And the council contacted these local authorities, instructing them to stop placing any more tenants in the building.
Plans rejected
Plans submitted last year to convert the former Southgate Police Station into a 65-room hostel were rejected by the council amid fears that it would worsen antisocial behaviour in the area.
Enfield Council is committed to tackling rogue landlords who provide sub-standard accommodation.”
A council spokesperson said: “Enfield Council is committed to tackling rogue landlords who provide sub-standard accommodation in the borough.
“In December 2024, the council issued an enforcement notice to the managing agents of the former Southgate Police Station after confirming it was being used unlawfully as a 65-room hostel.
“We welcome the Planning Inspectorate’s decision, which supports our action to stop the unauthorised change of use from a police station to residential accommodation.”
Complicated
Now, however, a new planning application for the building has been lodged for a nine-room HMO plus two one-bedroom flats.
And things have been complicated after a decision by the council’s housing team to approve an application for an HMO licence.
Picture: Enfield Dispatch
Rogue landlord facing council action after illegal use of old police station
