The council's planning enforcement team started an investigation after a neighbour reported that the side extension was being rented out.

The planning team found that the extension had been illegally rented out for six years with the most recent tenant reportedly living in "squalid and dirty conditions" and with the toilet located less than one metre from the kitchen. The council also says that the landlord first converted the extension in 2007.

The council pointed out that "in the last year, the Planning Enforcement team has successfully ended the use of 25 unauthorised residential units ...."

Cllr. Tom Bruce, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development, said " Many of the residents who live in these appalling conditions are vulnerable and do not have the resources to challenge their landlords. I am proud of the work the Council's Planning Enforcement team has done in this case ... ".

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