Two rogue landlords have been handed a substantial fine for illegally renting out an outbuilding in Hayes.

Manjit Singh Virk and Paramjit Kaur Virk admitted breaching a planning enforcement notice at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, August 19.

Magistrates fined them a joint total of £12,000 and they were ordered to pay £2,472 to cover Hillingdon Council's legal costs.

The couple, who live in Iver, had been charging people to live in an illegal 'beds in sheds' outbuilding in Roseville Road, Hayes.

A neighbour alerted the council's planning enforcement team, who obtained a warrant to access the premises.

The council's private sector housing team and the UK Border Agency carried out a search of the bed-in-shed and confirmed it was being lived in.

Mr and Mrs Virk were handed a planning enforcement notice, ordering them to stop renting out the shed and remove the kitchen, bathroom and service meters, but they failed to do so.

Councillor Keith Burrows, cabinet member for planning, transportation and recycling, said: "The council takes a very dim view on rogue landlords cashing in by allowing people to live in poor conditions.

"This couple were given an opportunity to stop what they were doing but totally ignored the warnings so court action was necessary. I am glad the courts have seen fit to hand down a significant fine. "

Residents who suspect someone of breaching planning or housing regulations can report it to the council on 01895 250230.