AN elderly farmer says he is being harassed by ‘mischief-making’ drone flights over his farm, which remains at the centre of a probe into illegal waste activity.
Villagers had complained a red ‘shredder’ had been turned on at Stone Arrow Farm in Peopleton over the weekend after an ongoing probe into illegal tipping at the site by various agencies, including the Environment Agency and West Mercia Police.
However, the landowner, 80-year-old Carl Powell says the machinery is ‘not a shredder’ and that he feels harassed by drone flights over his land.
He has attributed the illegal waste activity to the actions of a tenant.
DRONE An aerial shot taken by a drone showing what Peopleton residents say is a ‘shredder’ in operation at Stone Arrow Farm (Image: Supplied)
Mr Powell says a member of the Peopleton Residents Action Group (PRAG) continues to fly the drone over his farm off the A44 Evesham Road, taking photos of activity on his land.
Mr Powell said: “The red machine is a Screen not a shredder as PRAG has again put forward incorrect information which again I find frustrating.
“It is in place with Worcestershire County Council full approval.
“Yet again PRAG is mischief making when I have complied with all planning issues.
VIEW: Carl Powell has issued a stern defence to comments made by the Peopleton Residents Action Group (PRAG) over activity at Stone Arrow Farm (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)
“I have had planning enforcement investigations but never a planning enforcement conviction, PRAG do well to remember this and stop this drone harassment.”
We previously reported how residents in Peopleton voiced fresh concerns after a ‘shredder’ was reportedly operated at Stone Arrow Farm, already under investigation for unauthorised waste activity.
A spokesperson for the Peopleton Residents Action Group (PRAG) said in a previous statement: “Despite public assurances, including those in this newspaper, local farmer Carl Powell has gone against his word and various enforcement notices.
READ MORE: Peopleton illegal waste sites compliance row in photos
“He is continuing to allow his tenant to continue operation of an illegal waste site at Stone Arrow Farm.
“PRAG are hugely disappointed with Mr Powell for this latest disregard for the wellbeing and peaceful enjoyment for the residents of Peopleton.
“Relevant agencies have been informed.”
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The farm is being investigated by the Environment Agency, Wychavon District Council, Worcestershire County Council, and West Mercia Police. Officers executed a warrant at the site on January 8, seizing £100,000 in cash and documents.
Stone Arrow Farm has been pictured by a drone
An aerial photograph taken on June 14 shows what residents say is a ‘shredder/grader’ that has been in recent use on the site.
Despite the concerns, Wychavon District Council said that no new breaches of planning control have been identified.
CHANGES: An aerial view of Stone Arrow Farm in Peopleton from February but Carl Powell says he has complied with demands (Image: Supplied)
Ian Edwards, director of economy and environment at Wychavon, said: “We have reviewed the latest available evidence and no new breaches of planning control within Wychavon’s remit have been identified.
“We have passed on the information we have to other agencies involved in tackling waste crime for them to consider.”
A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said: “The planning enforcement issues at Stone Arrow Farm continue to be investigated.
“When additional evidence of alleged breaches is supplied to the county council, contact with the landowner is made and on-site meetings are arranged.
“The alleged breaches will then be assessed and appropriately acted upon.
“We continue to work with other agencies at this and other sites throughout Worcestershire when breaches of planning are reported to us.”
A spokesman for PRAG pointed out that various organisations had conducted drone flights over Stone Arrow Farm.
He added: “Mr Powell is a master of incorrect information and obtuse comments. He is fully aware of the dissent, anger and fear that he causes to the residents of Peopleton and various agencies investigating the illegal waste operations at Stone Arrow Farm. Subsequently, we do not wish to comment further.”
