Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
29
Jan
Harrogate businessman fined for illegally burning waste at Farnham
A Harrogate businessman has been fined for illegally burning waste.
Boyd Batchelor, from Harrogate, pleaded guilty after he was charged under the Clean Air Act 1993 when dark smoke was spotted near Knaresborough.
In May last year, an environmental health officer from North Yorkshire Council witnessed the smoke billowing from a premises on land to the rear of Eubank Field.
It was later established that the smoke was coming from a fire on land used by Tillage Nurseries, which is based on Farnham Lane in Knaresborough.
North Yorkshire Council said Batchelor failed to respond to requests to explain why dark smoke was coming from his premises. As a result, the authority instigated court proceedings.
At York Magistrates Court on January 22, Batchelor maintained that he had not started the fire himself and that at the time he was not aware of it, stating that it had been started by an employee.
Batchelor apologised for the inconvenience caused and he accepted that he did not have permission to burn waste.
Magistrates fined Batchelor £1,153. He was also ordered to pay £461 in a statutory surcharge and £500 towards the prosecution costs.
Following sentencing, Cllr Richard Foster, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for environment, said:
Burning waste not only breaks the law, it also creates harmful smoke that affects the health and wellbeing of nearby communities.
Despite clear warnings, the activity continued, leaving the council with no choice but to take enforcement action. We hope this case serves as a reminder that businesses must follow the rules and manage their waste responsibly.
0