Illegal waste must be cleared within three months

A government planning inspector has ordered the clearance of tens of thousands of tonnes of illegally dumped waste on land at Borstal near Rochester.

John Treeby of Factory Farm had appealed against a Medway Council planning enforcement notice issued in December 2022.

However, the inspector rejected the appeal and ordered Mr Treeby to clear the site within three months.

The Environment Agency has estimated there to be more than 34,000 cubic metres of shredded waste containing plastics, soil, timber, glass, organics and aggregates.

Local residents have spoken of a steady stream of tipper lorries visiting the site over a number of years.

In her decision, planning inspector Hilda Higenbottom, said: "The importation of waste, reprofiling of the land, creation of the installation of a hardstanding have all introduced significant visually harmful elements into what was once a paddock/grassed area.

"As such, the development fails to conserve or enhance the landscape or scenic beauty of the national landscape."

Mr Treeby was also ordered to clear an adjacent area of vehicle breaking, waste processing and caravans within nine months.

The BBC has approached Mr Treeby for comment.

In March 2024 a spokesperson for Mr Treeby said he had not given anyone permission to tip on his land.

"This occurred during a time when he was hospitalised for a life limiting illness and during a time of grief when he lost his son during a car accident.

"He was subsequently the victim of an armed robbery where he and his family were tied up in their home, beaten with guns and robbed," they said.

"He has been the victim of land grab and we are actively pursuing options to secure the land to prevent this happening again."

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