16 people living in 4-bed Cullompton house

Landlord fined for safety breaches

A company that owns a house in Cullompton has been found guilty of safety charges after 16 migrant workers were found living in the four-bedroom property.

Drivehall Ltd owns 1B Brook House, in the Mid Devon town. The council's housing officers, along with police and the fire service said conditions in the house were dangerous. It lacked fire safety precautions and the means of escape; the kitchen was infested with rats; it had no mains lighting, and mattresses were scatted throughout the property, including in the hallway by the back door and in the kitchen. Such was the severity of conditions, the fire service served a prohibition notice preventing its ongoing use as a residence.

Last month Exeter Magistrates fined Drivehall £18,000 after being found guilty of nine serious breaches of the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation Regulations. Mid Devon District Council was also awarded costs of £2,301. A victim surcharge of £181 was also applied.

The council's cabinet member for housing, Councillor Bob Evans said: “We are pleased with this result and as with the case we had last year, this is a warning that we will continue to take action where the safety of tenants has been put at serious risk. We urge landlords to work closely with our private sector housing officers to ensure they are providing safe housing for our residents.”
Simon Newcombe, Mid Devon District Council Group Manager for Public Health and Regulatory Services, said:

“The outcome of this prosecution is testament to the professionalism and determination of my officers, and our legal team. We will continue to take action on behalf of vulnerable residents who are living in unacceptable and potentially life-threatening conditions.”