Illegal waste must be cleared within three months

An appeal by John Treeby of Factory Farm has been rejected by a government planning inspector

A government planning inspector has ordered the clearance of tens of thousands of tonnes of illegally dumped waste on land at Borstal near Rochester.

John Treeby of Factory Farm had appealed against a Medway Council planning enforcement notice issued in December 2022.

However, the inspector rejected the appeal and ordered Mr Treeby to clear the site within three months.

The Environment Agency has estimated there to be more than 34,000 cubic metres of shredded waste containing plastics, soil, timber, glass, organics and aggregates.

Local residents have spoken of a steady stream of tipper lorries visiting the site over a number of years.

In her decision, planning inspector Hilda Higenbottom, said: "The importation of waste, reprofiling of the land, creation of the installation of a hardstanding have all introduced significant visually harmful elements into what was once a paddock/grassed area.

"As such, the development fails to conserve or enhance the landscape or scenic beauty of the national landscape."

Mr Treeby was also ordered to clear an adjacent area of vehicle breaking, waste processing and caravans within nine months.

The BBC has approached Mr Treeby for comment.

In March 2024 a spokesperson for Mr Treeby said he had not given anyone permission to tip on his land.

"This occurred during a time when he was hospitalised for a life limiting illness and during a time of grief when he lost his son during a car accident.

"He was subsequently the victim of an armed robbery where he and his family were tied up in their home, beaten with guns and robbed," they said.

"He has been the victim of land grab and we are actively pursuing options to secure the land to prevent this happening again."

Sentences and fines

Meanwhile, in an unconnected case, two men received suspended prison sentences earlier in January for filling a warehouse in Margate with 6,000 bales of waste, the Environment Agency said.

David Weekes and Lee Brookes built up the stockpile of plastic wrapped rubbish in a unit on the Westwood Business Park before the building and the waste burned down in September 2018.

Weekes, 55, of Pillar Avenue, Brixham, Devon, was sentenced to 16 months in prison, suspended for two years at a hearing at Canterbury Crown Court on 21 January.

He was also ordered to pay £5,000 in costs and a victim surcharge of £140 while completing 150 hours unpaid work and 20 days of rehabilitation activity.

The fire broke out in September 2018

Weekes was also made to temporarily wear an electronic tag to monitor his daytime movements.

Brookes, of Nelson Street, Middleton, Manchester, received a sentence of four months in prison, suspended for a year.

The 48-year-old was also given 80 hours of unpaid work, the same 20 days of rehabilitation programme, and was ordered to pay costs of £1,000 and a £115 victim surcharge.