Lushi’s Lounge, at 3 Fairview Parade, Mawney Road, has been handed a planning enforcement notice by Havering Council after it breached planning law.
The notice orders the demolition of the extension at the front of the premises and for all other debris created as a result of this to be removed.
This must be carried out within two months of the notice taking effect on September 26 or the owners could face prosecution or “remedial action” by the council.
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It comes after the extension was constructed without planning permission, followed by three attempts by the owners to apply for retrospective permission.
Once these were refused, an appeal was lodged with the Planning Inspectorate – which was also dismissed.
Owner Luiss Lushi claimed to the Recorder that the planning officer who visited the lounge had “taken it personal” with him.
“There are so many premises in Romford that are exactly the same as mine, they have the same extension on the front,” Luiss said.
He further claimed the officer said they were “going to shut down my business”.
However, Havering Council called the extension “completely inappropriate” and said it had “no option” but to take formal action.
A council spokesperson said: “The owner of Lushi’s Lounge constructed a large extension to the front of the premises without planning permission and was asked to remove it.
“They then applied three times to retain it and this was also refused.
“An appeal to the Planning Inspectorate by the owner, was also dismissed as the extension was found to be completely inappropriate.
“The owner has been asked multiple times to remove the unlawful extension but is not co-operating with the council’s reasonable requests.
“As 18 months have now passed since it was put up, the council has no option but to take formal action and serve a planning enforcement notice against the business.”
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Cllr David Taylor, who represents the St Edwards Ward, said that the extension leads to “antisocial parking” in the surrounding streets and “does not in any way fit into the local area”.
He told the Recorder: “Small businesses are facing tough conditions and I want them to succeed in Romford.
“But, when others are playing by the rules, I take a dim view of those that don’t.
“I am pleased that the council is taking firm action and that they, and the Planning Inspectorate, agree with me that this extension is not suitable.”
Cllr Taylor added that he is happy to work with the owners to find a suitable solution.
Lushi’s Lounge describes itself as “the best lounge in Romford” on its website, claiming that it offers the “ultimate VIP experience” and serves cocktails and “mouth-watering” food from its bar and kitchen.
