County Durham illegal waste site shut down
Summary
The Environment Agency has secured a court Restriction Order to shut down an illegal waste site at Park Head Plantation in County Durham after reports of dumping on protected land. The order prevents further waste importation and access to the site for six months while criminal proceedings continue against those alleged to have operated the site and deposited waste.
Why it matters
Surveyors may encounter the effects of illegal waste activity in due diligence, site inspections and valuation work, particularly where land condition, access and environmental risk are relevant. The case also highlights the Environment Agency’s increasing use of restriction orders, which can affect site status and transaction risk.
Key points
- Illegal dumping was reported on protected land at Park Head Plantation, Wolsingham.
- A Restriction Order now prohibits importing waste onto the land and restricts access.
- The order was granted at County Durham and Darlington Magistrates’ Court for six months.
- The Environment Agency says earlier enforcement requiring the dumping to stop and waste to be cleared was ignored.
- Criminal proceedings have been started against those alleged to have operated the site and deposited waste.
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