Two men have been ordered to pay thousands of pounds for renting out flats in Whitechapel in breach of planning regulations.

A prohibition order preventing the property in East Mount Street, off Whitechapel Road, from being used for residential purposes came into effect in September 2015.

It was issued after an environmental health officer found the property didn’t comply with the Housing Act 2004.

However, in January 2017, the council’s revenue services informed environmental health and trading standards that the premises were occupied.

A planning enforcement notice was issued the following month relating to breaches of regulations at the property.

One of the breaches related to the conversion of the upper floors from one large multi-occupied flat to six self-contained studio flats.

The notice suggested that major alterations had been made to the premises.

Despite these works, at least three of the hazards that were listed in the prohibition order from environmental health and trading standards had not been addressed.

Mohammed Abdul Miah, of Brady Street, Whitechapel, was fined £2,500 relating to a breach of a regulation regarding firefighting equipment and alarms as well as costs of £1,912 and a victim surcharge of £190 - totalling £4,602.

Gambir Singh, of East Mount Street, was fined £1,000 relating to the breach of the prohibition notice and ordered to pay costs of £1,912 and a victim surcharge of £190 - totalling £3,102.

Neither were in Thames Magistrates’ Court on January 25 to hear the verdict.

Charges against a third defendant were withdrawn as a result of a mental health report from a doctor.

Tower Hamlets mayor John Biggs said: “The council takes the safety of all our residents very seriously.

“Our housing officers work with landlords to ensure they are aware of their responsibilities and we will always look to prosecute those that fail to comply with their duties.”

Councillor Eve McQuillan, cabinet member for planning and social inclusion, added: “This council is committed to improving housing conditions for everyone who lives in our borough and preventing any residents having to live in unsafe conditions."