A scandal has rocked a Surrey golf club after it was discovered that illegal waste had been dumped on the course. The Environment Agency’s investigation revealed almost 700 lorry-loads of waste, resulting in significant fines for two Sussex companies and the golf club’s owners.
Reckless Behaviour Uncovered
The illegal dumping occurred at Rusper Golf Club near Gatwick Airport. An anonymous tip-off led the Environment Agency to uncover the reckless actions of Worthing-based Rusper Leisure Ltd, Crawley haulier Cook and Son Ltd, and Bell and Sons Construction Ltd of Faygate.
The district judge condemned the behaviour as “reckless,” handing down fines totalling £38,000.
Environment Agency Investigation
The investigation revealed that Rusper Leisure Ltd had planning permission to raise part of an embankment on the driving range by 2 metres, intended to catch stray golf balls. However, this permission was only for clean soil. Instead, the company allowed Cook and Son Ltd and Bell and Sons Construction Ltd to offload waste without the necessary approval from the Environment Agency.
Fines and Costs for Involved Parties
Company |
Fine Amount |
Additional Costs |
Total Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rusper Leisure Ltd | £2,000 | £3,000 | £5,000 |
| Cook and Son Ltd | £24,000 | £12,500 | £36,500 |
| Bell and Sons Construction | £12,000 | £8,000 | £20,000 |
Investigation Findings
Investigators found the embankment’s surface contained glass, wood, plastic, tarmac, brick, concrete, and other materials. Similar loads were also dumped around the course and nearby areas. Cook and Bell paid Rusper Leisure £100 per load for the waste dumped on and around the greens in late 2018.
Illegal Waste Stockpiling
The investigation also discovered that waste was used to create more embankments and was stockpiled close to woods on the edge of the golf course and in the club’s car park. Builders’ waste was mixed in with some of the soil, posing significant environmental risks.
Environmental and Legal Implications
Jamie Hamilton, the senior environmental crime officer leading the investigation, emphasised the importance of obtaining Environment Agency authorisation for waste disposal. Despite this, the companies involved disregarded these regulations.
Statements from Involved Parties
Sara Blunden, company secretary of Rusper Leisure, claimed she didn’t know a permit was needed, believing planning permission was sufficient. Duncan Bell, a director with Bell and Sons, admitted he didn’t check if an environmental permit was necessary. Christopher Cook of Cook and Son confessed that his drivers left waste on the course without verifying the site’s legality.
Legal Charges and Fines
Rusper Leisure Ltd was charged with operating a waste disposal site without an environmental permit. Cook and Son Ltd and Bell and Sons Construction Ltd faced charges under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 for illegal waste dumping.
The Takeaway
This case highlights the critical need for strict adherence to environmental regulations. The significant fines imposed reflect the gravity of illegal waste disposal and the Environment Agency’s role in enforcing compliance. The community is reminded of the importance of responsible waste management to protect our environment.
Future Implications
The closure of Rusper Golf Club, once a renowned course opened by Ryder Cup captain Tony Jacklin, serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of environmental negligence.
The Environment Agency continues to monitor and enforce regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future, ensuring that the environment is safeguarded.
Sources: THX News & Environment Agency.
