Businessman did not have house licences
A DECORATED North East businessman and community figure has been found guilty of owning a shared house without the correct licences.
Ammar Mirza CBE was sentenced alongside City Based Lettings Limited, which managed the property, at North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.
Mirza, 44, of Mosely Street, Newcastle and the lettings firm were found guilty of having control of or managing a house in multiple occupation which was required to be licensed under Part 2 of the Housing Act 2004 but which was not licensed.
Both parties were fined £4,000 and ordered to pay £2,000 in costs.
Mirza insists there was no deliberate wrongdoing on his part and says he is confident he will win an appeal against the decision.
As of yesterday afternoon North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court had not received an application to appeal.
Following the court case, he told the Chronicle: “As far as I’m concerned the property was managed by a reputable agent and I wholly dispute the fact that I have done anything wrong.
“Consequently, I’m appealing the matter and I’m confident it will successfully go in my favour.
“I have worked tirelessly to support the region in a voluntary capacity and I will continue to do so.”
Both Mirza and City Based Lettings Limited denied not having the correct licence for three flats – blocks A, B and C in Summerhill House on Westmorland Road in Newcastle’s West End – but were found guilty after a trial.
A fire broke out in one of the flats on December 13, 2016 and it became clear the property had 19 bedrooms.
For years, Mirza has been a prominent figure in the North East’s business world, mixing with figures of regional and national influence.