Court fines Lincolnshire cousins following waste crime probe
Summary
The Environment Agency has prosecuted two Lincolnshire farmers after an investigation into illegal waste activity at Hall Farm near North Owersby. The case involved the deposit and burning of mixed waste, with fines, surcharge and costs imposed by Lincoln Magistrates’ Court totalling nearly £7,000.
Why it matters
Surveyors may encounter waste storage, site clearance, or land-use issues during inspections and due diligence, particularly on rural and agricultural holdings. The case highlights the need to check for environmental permits, waste transfer records and signs of unauthorised waste operations where land condition or compliance may affect value and liability.
Key points
- Environment Agency surveillance identified waste being moved between farms in the Market Rasen area.
- Mixed waste, including contaminated rubble and roofing materials, was deposited at Hall Farm and a waste fire was witnessed.
- The court found offences under environmental permitting and waste duty-of-care provisions.
- One defendant had a waste carrier’s licence but did not verify that an environmental permit was in place.
- The Environment Agency says it is taking a tougher approach to waste crime and encouraging reporting of suspected illegal activity.
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