Construction company pays high price for burning waste
A construction firm from Cheltenham has been fined £5,000 and ordered to pay considerable court costs, after being found guilty of polluting the air. Environmental protection officers from Stroud District Council warned JF Building Services about an illegal bonfire being used to burn waste at Tunley in October. The officers returned the next day to find another fire lit and witnessed construction waste, including wood, plastics, cables and hosing being burned. Plumes of black smoke were being emitted from the fire, affecting the surrounding area. Magistrates sitting in Cheltenham sentenced the company to a fine of £5000, a victim surcharge of £181 and costs of £2453, a total penalty of £7,634. JF Building Services (UK) Limited was represented in court by director Mr Janis Fugalis. “This should serve as a salutary lesson to companies tempted to cut corners by burning waste,” said Stroud District Council’s environmental protection manager, Dave Jackson. “This company wilfully ignored warnings to cease this practice and, as a consequence, has paid the penalty. “Companies tempted to irresponsibly dispose of waste should understand that Stroud District Council will act to robustly enforce waste legislation.” The burning of commercial waste is strictly controlled and can be an offence unless carried out under an Environmental Permit or through a formal exemption. The emission of dark smoke from bonfires on industrial or trade premises also constitutes an offence under the Clean Air Act 1993 l
innovative and ambitious plan-led approach.” The project was launched to considerable fanfare last year, when Cheltenham Borough Council announced it had purchased the land to the west of Springbank Way for £37.5 million. A public consultation was immediately launched and closed on February 17 of this year. The three appointed firms will now collaborate on producing the masterplan for the site and the SPD that forms the outline planning permission document. The first part of the development, which will include the cyber business park, will be built nearest to the existing GCHQ building. The housing extends west and north west of the cyber park and to the boundary formed by the B4634 l
Tewkesbury, Glos. enquiries: david@bplarchitecture.co.uk
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