A LANDOWNER suspected of the unauthorised disposal of waste on his farm has been fined after failing to respond to a planning notice for the second time.

In July Ian Hobden, 67, of Giffords Farm, Battle Road, Dallington, pleaded guilty for failing to respond to a Planning Contravention Notice when he appeared at Hastings Magistrates’ Court.

He was ordered to pay £1,291.50 and told to respond to East Sussex County Council’s notice or face further prosecution.

On Thursday, October 24, Mr Hobden pleaded guilty to a second charge of failing to comply with the notice having not provided information which would help the county council decide if a breach had occurred and if any enforcement action should be taken.

Cllr Claire Dowling, East Sussex County Council’s lead member for transport and environment, said: “It’s incredibly disappointing the Mr Hobden has failed to provide the necessary information despite previous action and forced us to take action for a second time.

“Unauthorised disposal of waste can have a harmful effect on the environment and a negative impact on communities, and it’s important the county council has the information it needs to decide on the next steps. I hope this latest action will encourage Mr Hobden to do everything he can to help us properly investigate the allegations.”

The day before appearing at Hastings Magistrates’ Court, Mr Hobden did provide the answer to some of the questions asked.  He was ordered to pay a total of £1,238.43 including a £576 fine, a victim surcharge totalling £230 and prosecutions costs of £423.34.

Mr Hobden will face further prosecution if he continues not to respond fully to East Sussex County Council’s Planning Contravention Notice.

Ends.