A landlord who crammed 28 flats into just four houses, flouting planning regulations, has been fined £320,000.

Vispasp Sarkari, 50, turned the four houses in Kenmore Road, Kenton, Nolton Place, Edgware, High Road, Wealdstone, and London Road, Wembley, into the flats, not following regulations in both Harrow and Brent.

After he was convicted of putting four flats in a terraced house in Wembley, planning officers at both councils took Sarkari to court to reclaim rent paid by the tenants who lived in the properties since 2005.

The cash will be shared between the Government, councils and trading standards authorities.

Harrow Council’s cabinet member for planning, Councillor Keith Ferry, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to send out a clear message that we will not allow people to profit from illegal conversions.

“This landlord ignored planning rules designed to ensure that the quality of accommodation in the boroughs is maintained and that the environment for surrounding residents is protected.”