The operator of an illegal waste site in Aldington has been ordered to pay £11,500.

Richard Butler, 67, of Woodleas Farm, Goldwell Lane, Aldington, admitted four charges of running the facility without an environmental permit.

He was brought before Canterbury Magistrates’ Court after an Environment Agency investigation discovered he was running the property as a waste transfer station, storing and processing large skips of waste.

Investigators found Butler has been operating a waste transfer station intermittently at the site, which lies within close proximity to several residential properties, since June 2011.

Environment Agency visits at that time discovered skips full of waste, including batteries, waste electrical and electronic equipment, and mixed construction and demolition waste throughout the site.

Officers informed Butler that he was committing an offence by operating the site without the necessary authorisation, and carried out further visits to monitor the removal of the waste to authorised facilities and ensure that waste operations ceased.

Further visits to the site across 2011 and 2012 revealed fluctuating levels of waste, as Butler would clear waste from the site but brought further waste back for deposition, sorting and treatment.

In January 2013, he admitted to operating his premises as a waste transfer station, and to burning waste on site.

Butler began trying to obtain the relevant planning permission to operate as a waste transfer station, and this was granted in April 2013.

However a permit is still required from the Environment Agency to operate the site and Butler continued to operate at the site without one.

Environment officer Nick Ennis said: “Mr Butler was fully aware that he was not permitted to operate as a waste transfer station but continued to operate, ignoring the advice and guidance issued to him by Environment Officers.

“His actions showed blatant disregard for local residents and businesses, and put the environment and local amenity at risk.

“In cases like this where individuals consistently operate illegally, we have no hesitation in prosecuting them as we want to make sure that waste crime doesn’t pay.”

He was fined £10,000 and told to pay £1,500 costs with a £15 victim surcharge.