Business pays the price as rogue waste carrier fly-tips on National Trust land

On 17 October 2022, High Wycombe Magistrates convicted Rashidpur Investments Ltd, in their absence, for failing in their duty of care which resulted in waste being illegally dumped at the National Trust's Ashridge Estate, which is part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The building company was carrying out renovations at a pub in Aylesbury, creating an Indian restaurant. The extensive building works created a large amount of waste. One of the loads was disposed of by paying cash to an unknown male. The company owners made no checks as to whether the man was a registered waste carrier. This load was dumped in the car park at Dockey Wood on the estate.

An eagle-eyed member of the public found an address in the waste and reported the incident to Buckinghamshire Council. The council’s enforcement team began an investigation which resulted in the company being taken to court.

Magistrates ordered Rashidpur Investments Ltd to pay a fine of £6,500, compensation of £420, costs of £5,826.34 and a surcharge of £650, making a total to pay of £13,296.24.

Gareth Williams, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, said:

"By failing to make simple checks and follow guidance to always check the credentials of anyone you are paying to take away your waste, this company has ended up being taken to court and issued with a very hefty fine.

"We always advise people to make checks and not to pay cash but instead to pay by card as this will give you a record of the transaction and any registered carrier will be happy to do this.

"Not only did this fly-tipper arrogantly take the waste to a local beauty spot owned by the National Trust, he has left the landowner having to foot the bill to have the rubbish removed. It’s outrageous behaviour and won’t be tolerated."

A spokesperson for the National Trust said:

"Our job is to look after the 5,000-acre estate at Ashridge so that nature and wildlife can thrive and visitors can enjoy the beautiful and ancient landscape. Sadly, we're having to divert considerable resources to clearing rubbish, including numerous instances where it has been illegally dumped.

"We appreciate the support of our visitors who help us to look after the Ashridge Estate and report any criminal behaviour that they've witnessed. Thanks also to Buckinghamshire Council for taking cases such as this to court – every successful prosecution is a warning to would-be fly-tippers."

To report fly-tipping anywhere in Buckinghamshire visit: Fix My Street.