Dorset Council to prosecute Island Recycling after failure to clear waste on Portland

Last week, the Echo reported how legal action was being considered against the operator of a waste site which was used without planning permission.

READ MORE: Council may take legal action against operator of Portland waste site

Portland Stone Firms were forced to build a fence and put stone boulders down after reports the waste, collected by Mr Cliffe, was falling onto their land, which is leased by Jerry Hallet (pictured)

Now Dorset Council has confirmed it will be pressing ahead with a prosecution.

And the man at the centre of the saga - Jason Cliffe of Island Recycling - has admitted the waste at the site has 'got out of hand'.

Mr Cliffe failed to clear waste after being warned to do so in April, after operating without permission.

Portland homeowner Jerry Hallet leases the land next to the waste pile and said it has become an 'eyesore'

As well as failing to clear the waste on the site of the former Windmill Stables, off Watery Lane, adjacent business Portland Stone Firms said the waste spilled onto their land, prompting a decision to build a fence.

The land next to the waste pile, which belongs to Stone Firm is leased by Portland homeowner Mr Hallet (pictured)

Portland Stone Firms manager Tim Clotworthy said: "We own adjoining land and have spent thousands of pounds tidying up and removing the fly tipped waste that has overspilled from this site onto our land.

"All this waste has effectively been dumped on the land with no planning permission so it's effectively fly tipping on a grand scale. There was damage to the fence and rat sightings."

Portland Stone Firms manager Tim Clotworthy

The site is a ‘designated local gap’ between Easton and Weston and close to several footpaths and bridleways. It is also higher than much of the area, making it visible for a considerable distance.

Mr Cliffe said: “I’m a one-man band and I had no help from the landowner in obtaining planning permission. I will admit it’s got out of hand, and I take the blame. I promise to clear it as soon as I can.

“I don’t agree that it has attracted rats. There are rats everywhere.”

As well as failing to clear the waste on the site of the former Windmill Stables, off Watery Lane, Portland Stone Firms bosses have said the waste spilled onto their adjoining land - and forced the decision to build a fence

The land next to the waste pile, which belongs to Portland Stone Firms is leased by Portland homeowner Jerry Hallet.

Mr Hallet said: “Stone Firms put a fence up recently to create the boundary after the waste started spilling over into the land I lease.

“The waste pile is an eyesore and is a potential danger.

“With the temperatures rising during the summer, the pile of wood could easily set alight.

“The amount of waste has become out of control."

Mr Cliffe leases the site from landowner Sue Lees.

She said: “He started the business in early 2020 and said he will be recycling furniture.

“I advised Jason to apply for planning permission, which he failed to do. It’s a business idea that has gone wrong.

“As the landowner I’m liable – so we have served him with a notice to vacate the site.

“If the waste has not been cleared, we’ll cut our losses and clear it ourselves before the end of August.”

Ms Lee’s son Daniel said the removal of the waste could cost around £15,000.

A spokesman from Dorset Council said: "We have recently taken advice from our colleagues in legal services and the decision has been made to progress with a prosecution, as there has been no progress made to clear the site and comply with the Enforcement Notice."

Mr Cliffe will now be prosecuted by Dorset Council after failing to clear the waste on the former Windmill Stables site, off Watery Lane. Pictures: Sam McKeown