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.
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“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.
Despite the drama, the council remains hopeful the restaurant owners will work with them to find a resolution.
