Illegal waste at Hoad’s Wood fully cleared as crackdown continues
Summary
The Environment Agency says the illegal waste dump at Hoad’s Wood in Kent has now been fully cleared, with 39,500 tonnes of commercial waste removed from the ancient woodland. The site, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, is now moving into a recovery phase while investigations continue into the organised criminal activity behind the dumping.
Why it matters
Illegal waste sites can create environmental hazards, access restrictions and reputational issues for nearby land and property. Surveyors may encounter the effects of waste crime through site condition, contamination risk, valuation impacts and wider due diligence on land affected by enforcement action.
Key points
- 39,500 tonnes of illegal commercial waste were removed from Hoad’s Wood in Kent.
- The site is an ancient woodland and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
- The Environment Agency, Kent Police and the Joint Unit for Waste Crime are investigating the offenders.
- Three men have already been arrested in connection with the dumping.
- The government says it is strengthening enforcement against waste crime, including higher fines and stronger powers.
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