A WORCESTERSHIRE man has been ordered to pay £1,045 in fines and court costs after he admitted operating a business without authorisation and building an illegal earth bund.

Tom Williams of Wheeler Orchard, Tenbury Wells, appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday, November 6 after pleading guilty to failing to comply with enforcement notices issued by Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC) requiring him to stop using an agricultural building in nearby Eardiston as a steel fabrication business.

The 27-year-old had also failed to remove an earth bund he had built at the site due to the visual impact on those living nearby.

The prosecution was brought by MHDC following complaints from neighbours about noise from the site and the impact of the bund on the landscape of the area.

The council’s portfolio holder for planning Cllr Melanie Baker said: “We are committed to encouraging economic development, but we will not tolerate breaches to planning regulations, especially where they have a negative impact on residents and businesses locally.

“We will always seek to work with people to achieve the best outcome, but if that is not possible we will not shy away from prosecuting.

“We’re pleased that this action has had the desired effect.”

He was ordered to pay £700 in fines, £340 court costs and a £50 victim surcharge.

The business has since ceased operating and the bund has been removed.