Couple fined for illegal skip hire in West Drayton after ignoring warnings and notices.
In March 2023, the council looked into things following complaints from residents about many big trucks. The property stored goods, transferred waste, and housed skips, diggers, and building supplies.
Hillingdon sent a warning in March 2023, giving the owners four weeks to rectify the issues. They seemed to comply by June, but in February 2024, the activities restarted. The council then sent another notice on March 6.
This new document instructed them to cease all business activities and fully clear the land by May 17. This included removing all vehicles, containers, trash, and other materials. From May to September, skips remained on the property and loud trucks operated at irregular hours.
Inspectors visited on September 24, and the owners were still not following the rules. Over 30 skips were still on the land. The defense stated it was a mistake, admitting to improper land use and promising not to repeat it.
Kulwant received a £750 fine for breaking the rules and must also pay a £300 victim surcharge. Gurpreet received a £1,259 fine, along with a £504 victim surcharge.
Their company, EJD Investments Ltd, also received a fine of £1,920 and a £768 victim surcharge. They are also responsible for covering the council’s legal costs of £1,435.
Councilor Steve Tuckwell commented on the importance of planning laws in protecting residents and the environment. He encourages residents to report unauthorized land use online at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/planning-enforcement.