A cramped shed that was illegally turned into a house and rented out has been partly torn down.

The garage in the property in Taunton Way, Harrow, was converted into a bathroom, a kitchen and a bedroom.

Harrow Borough Council officers served repeated notices to the owners but they failed to take action despite warnings.

When officers inspected the property again, the owner had attempted to disguise the bathroom and kitchen behind a false plasterboard wall.

Contractors tore the wall down and removed the kitchen and bathroom appliances.

The property was being rented out for £600 a month, even though it was not suitable to be used as housing.

Councillor Varsha Parmar, who is reponsible for environment, crime and community safety, said: “This landlord knew exactly what he was doing and made no attempt to comply with the council enforcement notice.

“He even cynically tried to hide the kitchen and bathroom with a fake wall. Thanks to the vigilance of local residents and the work of our planning enforcement officers one more bed in a shed has been taken out of circulation.

“The strong action we have taken removing illegal extensions and alterations to properties shows the community that planning breaches will not be tolerated.”