A developer is seeking retrospective planning permission for a three-storey block of flats in Forest Gate after building it in breach of the original approved plans.
Surbjit Aulak had planning permission to construct a two-storey building containing two maisonettes behind 316 Romford Road. However, he instead built a three-storey property comprising two flats and two studio apartments.
Newham Council subsequently ordered the building to be demolished, describing the development as “low-quality housing” because of its “undersized accommodation”.
Aulak has now submitted revised plans seeking permission to retain the building with changes to its internal layout.
The council originally approved plans for two maisonettes in 2018. However, the completed development differed significantly from the approved scheme.
Instead of the permitted two-storey building, Aulak constructed a three-storey block containing four homes. These comprised a two-bedroom flat on the ground floor, another two-bedroom flat on the first floor and two studio apartments on the top floor.
In 2022, Newham Council issued an enforcement notice ordering the demolition of the building.
The notice criticised the development for its “poor” design and inadequate living conditions.
It stated: “The undersized accommodation does not provide for an adequate or healthy living environment for existing and future occupants.”
Following an appeal by Aulak, the government’s Planning Inspectorate ruled that the building did not have to be demolished, provided it was altered to comply with the original planning permission.
In 2024, Aulak submitted another planning application proposing to convert the building into one two-bedroom flat and one four-bedroom maisonette. However, Newham Council refused the application on similar grounds.
Under the latest proposals, Aulak wants to retain the two flats on the ground and first floors while converting the two top-floor studios into a single one-bedroom flat.
A statement submitted alongside the application claims that planning officers provided advice before the latest submission indicating that the revised design would be acceptable.
The latest application was made available for public viewing and comments on Newham Council’s planning website on 26 October 2026.
The application, reference 26/02044/FUL, is awaiting a planning decision.
