A landlord has been ordered to pay a sum of more than £160,000 after being convicted of illegally converting her Cricklewood property into flats.

Nasira Hassan was told to pay a confiscation order of just under £159,000 -a slice of the amount she received in rent payments- for the unlawful renovation of the site in Chichele Road into 10 separate dwellings.

She was also issued with a £3,500 fine in a hearing at Harrow Crown Court.

Councillor Margaret McLennan, lead member for regeneration and housing at Brent Council said “I am pleased that Ms Hassan has been convicted for this illegal conversion.Brent Council will not allow people to profit from illegal conversions.

“This landlady 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.

“As a result, she profited hugely from this sub-standard accommodation.”