A landlord pair have lost their appeal against a £579,000 bill following a long-running legal battle with Camden Council.

Joel Salem, 66, of Highview Gardens, Finchley and Judith Veronique Robinson-Dadoun, 58, formerly of Brampton Grove, Hendon, were prosecuted by Camden Council in February 2024 after they failed to comply with an enforcement notice.

The pair had illegally sub-divided a house in Fortune Green Road, Hampstead, into seven substandard flats, despite only being granted permission for four. Following an investigation by the council’s planning department between 2009 and 2010, they ignored repeated warnings and continued to receive rent until selling the property in 2021.

Upheld

A Court of Appeal judge has now upheld the previous penalties of a £262,500 fine and £185,258 costs for Salem and a £70,000 fine and £61,752 costs for Robinson-Dadoun. Earlier confiscation orders were also confirmed and the appeal was dismissed in full.

Lord Justice Fraser described Salem’s conduct as “egregious”, adding: “These defendants ignored repeated warnings and continued to profit from unlawful lettings over many years.”

Rejected

The Court rejected arguments that the fines were excessive and noted the pair’s attempts to conceal assets and delay proceedings. Lord Justice Fraser concluded: “The very significant costs arose as a direct result of the defendants’ conduct. It would be wholly wrong for Camden’s taxpayers to bear that burden.”

Councillor Adam Harrison, cabinet member for planning and a sustainable Camden (pictured), says the pair sought to make as much money as possible from residents living in poor quality accommodation. He adds: “We will not accept this sort of behaviour, and this sends a strong message to other landlords and building owners. You need to comply with planning rules, and we will stand with our residents who deserve safe, good quality homes.”

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