Old Sodbury: man who operated illegal waste site sentenced

Hemmings admitted to five offences relating to operating an illegal waste site in Old Sodbury

A business owner has been given a suspended prison sentence and ordered to pay more than £9,000 for illegally burning waste.

David Hemmings, 51, from Hatherley, Yate, admitted to five offences relating to operating an illegal waste site at Chapel Lane, Old Sodbury.  

The Environment Agency (EA) said he was trying to "cut corners and save money" without regard for the environment.

Hemmings was sentenced to 15 weeks in prison, suspended for a year.

He was also ordered to pay costs totalling £9,050.26 and £154 victim surcharge at Bristol Magistrates' Court.

The court heard that the EA and South Gloucestershire Council had investigated following repeated complaints.

"Almost beyond belief"

Hemmings, who owns a flooring business, was illegally burning business waste at the site instead of disposing of it properly at a regulated site.

His actions were described as "shocking" by cabinet member for environmental enforcement at South Gloucestershire Council, councillor Leigh Ingham.

"When the rest of us strive to recycle everything we can and dispose of our rubbish responsibly, burning a vast amount of waste such as this is almost beyond belief and completely unacceptable," she said.

Hemmings admitted to burning rubbish from his flooring business, such as wooden pallets, plastics and carpets

The EA and council found piles of mixed waste including plastics, hardcore, electrical items, building waste and a pile of carpet offcuts on a visit to the farm.

Hemmings had an exemption which meant hardcore could be taken there to restore farm tracks and lanes, but that had not been done, the court heard.

He admitted to burning rubbish from his flooring business, such as wooden pallets, plastics and carpets.

Hemmings will also have to complete a seven-day rehabilitation activity requirement and has been handed a five-year community behaviour order, banning him from burning waste at the farm.