A site in County Durham, located within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), has been shut down by the Environment Agency following reports of persistent illegal waste dumping. A court order, granted at County Durham and Darlington Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 15 July 2026, now prohibits any further waste from being imported onto the land known as Park Head Plantation, part of the Parkhead Estate in Wolsingham. Access to the site has also been restricted for a period of six months, with any breach of this Restriction Order constituting a criminal offence.
The Environment Agency's intervention came after previous enforcement actions, which required the cessation of dumping and the clearance of waste, were reportedly ignored. Alongside securing the site, the agency has initiated criminal proceedings against individuals suspected of operating the illegal waste facility and depositing materials on the protected land. These legal proceedings are currently ongoing.
This decisive action aligns with the Environment Agency's broader strategy to intensify efforts against waste crime, outlined in its 10-Point Plan. A key component of this plan involves expanding the use of restriction notices and orders as a proactive measure to prevent illegal dumping. Gary Wallace, Area Environment Manager at the Environment Agency, emphasised the importance of swift action in tackling such environmental offences.
Mr. Wallace stated that the agency took action to close the site after reports indicated that illegal waste dumping was continuing. He highlighted that waste crime inflicts significant damage on both communities and the environment, affirming the agency's commitment to act quickly against illegal activity in line with its strategic plan. The site is now secured while the criminal proceedings continue, ensuring no further harm is done to the sensitive AONB.
The Environment Agency is also urging the public and landowners to play their part in combating waste crime. Individuals are advised to verify that any waste carrier they employ is registered on the public register, as unregistered operators are by definition illegal. Landowners are reminded of their responsibility to regularly inspect and secure their properties, as they can be held liable for illegal waste dumped on their land. Suspected waste crime, including illegal dumping, suspicious movements, unlicensed operators, or unusually cheap disposal offers, can be reported to Crimestoppers or the Environment Agency incident line, helping to build intelligence for earlier intervention.