The City of Cape Town on Monday said it had noticed a dramatic increase in the number of properties being extended illegally.

Officials said many property owners expanded either their homes or offices without seeking the necessary permission first.

In one such incident, the Rondebosch Medical Centre’s extension plans were approved by officials but the final refurbished property included changes not noted on the plans.

The city said a number of businesses and homeowners had already been fined this year.

The city’s Brain Watkyns said it appeared to be a growing trend.

“Over the last year there has been an increase in people building, either trying to get away with it, or in retrospect, try to get permission for the building that has already been built,” said Watkyns.