Solihull man prosecuted for failing to remove waste from land
Benjamin Robert Summers, an 80-year-old resident of Pig Trot Lane, Tanworth-in-Arden, Solihull, has been fined and ordered to pay costs for ignoring a formal notice from the Environment Agency to remove waste from his land. Summers also operated a waste facility without the necessary environmental permit.
The Environment Agency’s investigation, which began in February 2023, revealed that approximately 35 cubic meters of mixed waste was being stored on the land. This waste included plastics, metal, treated wood, and derivatives. Despite five site visits and requests to clear the waste, Summers failed to comply, and the waste remained on site, with more being added over time.
A formal notice was served on Summers on November 1, 2023, requiring him to clear the waste by January 1, 2024. However, a site visit on January 9, 2024, found that no waste had been removed. This led to Summers being prosecuted and ultimately fined £1107 and ordered to pay costs of £6545.85.
In addition to the fine and costs, the magistrates imposed a Remediation Order, requiring Summers to completely clear any outstanding waste from the land within four months. This order ensures that the land is restored to its original state and that the environment is protected.
The Environment Agency spokesperson emphasized the importance of complying with environmental regulations, stating that failure to do so can damage the environment and harm human health. The agency encourages anyone with environmental concerns to contact their 24/7 hotline or Crimestoppers.
The charges against Summers included failing to comply with a notice to remove controlled waste from the land, contrary to the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and operating a regulated facility without an environmental permit, contrary to the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.
