THREE flats built without permission in a house in Westcliff could be ripped out – even if people are living there.

Southend Council could take action against the owner of a semi-detached house in Prince Avenue, Westcliff which was converted into flats without planning permission.

The house was converted into flats in 2018 and the owner has subsequently tried to obtain approval three times – most recently in February.

The council’s development control committee – which meets on Wednesday – has been recommended to give the owner just four months to reverse the changes - even if the flats are occupied.

In a report, planning officials said: “Taking enforcement action in this case may amount to an interference with the owners’ or occupiers’ human rights.

“However, it is necessary for the local planning authority to balance the rights of the owners and occupiers against its legitimate aims to regulate and control land within its area.”

They added: “Two of the three flats currently in the building fall short of the adopted internal space standards and in one of those flats access to the amenity space, shower room and kitchen is only available through the bedroom. The third flat does have sufficient floor space but no access to external amenity space.”

At the same meeting, on Wednesday, a property in London Road, Leigh will also come under scrutiny.

Council officers found an outside staircase has been built on a two-storey building to allow access to a first-floor flat. The property contains a bar at ground floor and a flat on the first floor.

The staircase is the only way of accessing the flat.

In a report, officers said the owner had attempted to get planning permission twice but on both occasions it was deemed unsafe.

Southend councillors are recommended by officers to take enforcement action, forcing the staircase to be torn down within three months.