The directors of a building company have been given a humongous £223,350 in fines and costs after they obstructed the public highway without a valid licence – and hoped no one would notice.
Mizen Design Build Ltd. the construction company set up scaffolding and hoarding outside Heron House on Wembley Hill Road.
After months of ignoring correspondence from Brent Council, the organisation took the decision that it was in the public interest to take the matter to court .
This sends a clear message to developers that we will not be walked over
Councillor Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Public Realm and Enforcement, said: “Our top priority in the borough is growth and so we welcome businesses investing in Brent. If you do business in Brent though, you must follow our regulations. This sends a clear message to developers that we will not be walked over, you must follow legislation which many other businesses comply with. I am delighted with the judgement, which is a victory for all residents.”
The trial at Willesden Magistrates Court last week stretched over eight days. The prosecutor laid out the facts: the company had charged businesses for licence fees – but never passed the cash on to the Council.
The defence tried to wriggle out, claiming a Company Voluntary Arrangement and 'no public interest' in the case.
District Judge delivered a damning verdict: the directors had wilfully obstructed the highway, ignored repeated warnings, and gambled that Brent wouldn’t prosecute.
Bernard Tansey (81), Alan Tansey (54), Barry Tansey (55), Richard Reynolds (62), and Christopher Brownhill (60) – were slapped with a collection order and told to cough up by 3rd March 2026. This includes paying legal costs for the council, lost license fees of £53,000 and a fine all totalling £223,350.
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