Illegal waste burning case sees businessman fined in North Yorkshire
Harrogate business owner convicted under Clean Air Act
A Harrogate businessman has been fined after being found guilty of illegally burning waste on land near Knaresborough.
Boyd Batchelor pleaded guilty after being charged under the Clean Air Act of 1993. The case followed the discovery of dark smoke billowing from a fire at the rear of Eubank Field last May.
Investigations revealed the smoke came from a fire on land used by Tillage Nurseries on Farnham Lane in Knaresborough. North Yorkshire Council’s environmental health officer witnessed the fire.
Under section two of the Clean Air Act, emitting dark smoke from industrial or trade premises is illegal and can result in fines of up to £20,000. Businesses must dispose of their waste safely without harming health or the environment.
Cllr Richard Foster, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for environment, said:
“Burning waste not only breaks the law, it also creates harmful smoke that affects the health and wellbeing of nearby communities.
“Despite clear warnings, the activity continued, leaving the council with no choice but to take enforcement action. We hope this case serves as a reminder that businesses must follow the rules and manage their waste responsibly.”
Batchelor, who stated in court that an employee had started the fire without his knowledge, apologised for the inconvenience caused and admitted he did not have permission to burn waste.
Batchelor was fined £1,730, reduced to £1,153 for his guilty plea at York Magistrates. He was also ordered to pay £461 as a statutory surcharge and £500 towards prosecution costs.
The chair of the bench described the behaviour as reckless and noted that Batchelor had not implemented sufficient training or warnings to prevent such incidents.