Lewisham’s popular Turkish eatery, Meze Mangal, is facing a staggering £2.5 million Confiscation Order under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) after installing a new extractor system without planning permission.
Extractor Fan Sparks Massive Legal Battle
The £50,000 extractor was installed by brothers Ahmet and Sahin Gok after a neighbour complained about cooking smells and kitchen noise. Despite applying for planning permission, Lewisham Council refused their request — but the brothers kept the extractor to maintain peace and protect their restaurant’s reputation.
“We believed it was more important to keep the peace with our neighbours,” the brothers say. However, the council says they promised back in 2019 to remove the system once their planning appeal failed, but never did.
Legal Drama and Frozen Assets
The case escalated after the brothers missed a sudden court hearing – blaming their absence on caring for their ill father, who later passed away. In their absence, the court froze their business bank account and seized their passports.
They’re now just £500 short of a £20,000 GoFundMe target to cover legal fees and fight the huge POCA claim — a sum they say is “unbelievable” for just an extractor fan.
“…many Lewisham councillors, staff, and even the Mayor herself have regularly eaten, drunk, and held events at Meze Mangal… The council that is now trying to destroy it.”
Council Defends Crackdown: ‘Unlawful Works for Over Seven Years’
A Lewisham Council spokesperson defended the massive fine, emphasising the importance of discouraging criminal offending. They said the unlawful extractor has been in place for more than seven years, causing repeated complaints about smoke, noise, and odour.
“Most planning enforcement cases are resolved informally, but prosecutions are brought when necessary,” the spokesperson said. They denied claims the POCA is a money grab to fill council coffers, stating the court will set a proportionate amount based on the brothers’ finances.
Despite the drama, the council remains hopeful the restaurant owners will work with them to find a resolution.
