Property owner in Bristol fined for poor state of properties
Bristol property owners have been issued a fine of £10,327 for failing to deal with the maintenance of properties at three sites across the city. Despite multiple warnings from local council officers, and despite a court order on remedial work, the owner failed to comply and was faced with the considerable penalty.
On 2nd February 2022, Mr. Ahmed was found guilty and initially fined £1,000 per site, ordered to pay £2,703 in costs, and a £190 victim surcharge. Mr Ahmed was ordered to complete necessary works to the buildings within 150 days.
On 20 March 2023, Bristol Magistrates Court further fined Mr Ahmed £3,000 per site and ordered him to pay an additional £1,327 in costs, totalling £10,327 for failing to comply with Community Protection Notices and Remedial Orders.
The violations of the Remedial Orders include:
Offence 1: Kernow Building, 48-54 Mina Road, Bristol BS2 9XJ – Mr. Ahmed failed to remove graffiti and flyposting, improve the building condition, and remove vegetation from the walls, roofs, and elevations.
Offence 2: The Gainsborough, Gainsborough Square, Bristol BS7 9XA – Mr. Ahmed failed to remove graffiti and fly-tipped waste, install HERAS fencing to secure the land, and implement a regular cleansing programme.
Offence 3: Leinster Avenue, Bristol BS4 1NL – Mr. Ahmed failed to remove graffiti and flyposting, remove the fly-tipped waste, install HERAS fencing to secure the land to prevent further fly tipping and graffiti.
These offences are contrary to section 63(3) of the Magistrates Court Act 1980.
The former Gainsborough pub is also subject to an ongoing compulsory purchase order which the council is pursuing to deliver a mix of affordable council housing and community space on the site. Further updates on the progress of this process are expected soon.
Councillor Tom Renhard, Cabinet Member for Homes and Housing Delivery, said: “Property owners have a responsibility to maintain their properties and ensure they do not become a burden on the community. Where owners don’t take their responsibilities seriously, we will step in, and this case is an example of the action we will take if no effort is made to correct issues. I thank the enforcement team for their persistence and diligence in bringing this case to court and securing a prosecution that should act as a warning to all rogue property owners. We’re moving ahead with our plans for the Gainsborough pub site to deliver much needed council homes and space for the community and I hope to be able to share more on this process soon.”
Mr Ahmed will now be sent a notice informing him that he is still in breach and has 28 days to comply with the order or be prosecuted again.
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