GP must shut surgery held in tenement flat

A DOCTOR who turned his tenement flat into a GP practice without permission has been ordered by a sheriff to close the surgery.

Sohail Chaudhry has seen patients at his main door flat in Pollokshields since 1997, despite Glasgow City Council refusing to grant planning permission.

Over the last six years he has ignored a local authority enforcement order to close down. But yesterday, following a long-running trial, Dr Chaudhry was convicted of breaching the order and told he has two months to shut the surgery.

The GP hurriedly left Glasgow Sheriff Court, looking visibly shaken by the decision.

Earlier, he told the court he had viewed 26 alternative sites, but for "various reasons" none was suitable.

A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said: "We hope this is an end to the matter."

A General Medical Council spokeswoman said it could not comment on whether any action would be taken against Dr Chaudhry.

The case was adjourned until September to ensure he had obeyed the court order.