VILLAGERS have spoken of their ‘huge disappointment’ after a large shredder was switched on at an illegal waste site – but a council says there has been ‘no new planning breach’.
Stone Arrow Farm in Peopleton has drawn the ire of villagers once again after they say the red shredder was running at the site over the weekend – but according to the council, no new planning breach has been identified.
The farm remains at the centre of an investigation into illegal waste activity and also came into the spotlight after multiple Blackpole Recycling skips were pictured at the site after the Worcester firm went into administration on March 5.
Ian Edwards, director of economy and environment for 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.”
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The aerial photo, taken on Sunday (June 14) shows what residents say is a shredder/grader that has been in recent use near the part of the farm where several HGVs have been stored, itself part of a retrospective planning application rejected by Wychavon District Council.
The land is owned by Carl Powell, the 80-year-old farmer who has been at loggerheads with villagers over material being deposited at the site, actions which Mr Powell has attributed to a tenant.
The farmer also installed a ‘no tipping’ sign at the entrance to his compound.
OUTSPOKEN: Carl Powell at Stone Arrow Farm with his signs as he fights his corner against criticism (Image: Carl Powell)
We have approached Mr Powell for comment.
The site remains the focus for a joint investigation by various agencies, including the Environment Agency, Wychavon District Council, Worcestershire County Council and West Mercia Police.
The force executed a warrant at the farm on January 8 this year, seizing £100,000, which Mr Powell described as his ‘life savings’, and numerous documents.
PRAG reacts to latest waste site development
A spokesperson for Peopleton Residents Action Group (PRAG) said: “Despite public assurances, including those in this newspaper, local farmer Carl Powell has gone against his word and various enforcement notices.
“He is continuing to allow his tenant to continue operation of an illegal waste site at Stone Arrow Farm.
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“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.”
Evidence of deteriorating relations between villagers and Mr Powell, who admitted he had been called ‘the most hated man in Peopleton’, has been inferred after two signs went back up at the entrance to the farm off the A44 Evesham Road, near Worcester.
SHOCK: A drone photo of the Blackpole Recycling skips at Stone Arrow Farm in Peopleton (Image: Supplied)
One sign reads: “Welcome to Peopleton, a murderous, godless place, probably, most definitely the nastiest village in Worcestershire.”
The other reads: “No trespassing. Violators will be shot. Survivors will be shot again.”
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 spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “This year we have already taken action at several sites in Worcestershire to stop waste criminals, working closely with local councils and the police force.
“These sites remain part of ongoing criminal investigations and where we find evidence of criminal activity, we will take robust enforcement action against those responsible.
“We thank those that have taken the time to report to us and encourage anyone to report incidents of what they believe to be illegal waste activity to the Environment Agency incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.”
