A businessman has been fined after an investigation into waste found illegally dumped and burnt in a lane near Meopham.

Amandip Singh Johal was convicted at Medway Magistrates' Court following an investigation into waste reported dumped on land off Ridge Lane, Meopham, in June last year.

Inquiries by Gravesham Borough Council Environmental Enforcement Team found the site was being used to burn controlled waste, and the subsequent investigation found that building and business waste- including old mattresses and plastic - was being dumped and burned.

Further inquiries showed that the land - in countryside and surrounded by trees and farmland - belonged to a local businessman, Amandip Singh Johal from Northfleet.

Johal was required to provide documentation relating to the depositing and burning of waste but failed to do so and made no contact with the investigating officer.

He was subsequently charged with failing to provide documentation relating to an investigation into an environmental crime - an offence under Section 110 of the Environment Act 1995.

Having failed to appear the case was proved in his absence. He received a £1,760.00 fine, and was ordered to pay a £176 victim surcharge and costs of £400 (including £150 legal costs). Johal will also now have a criminal record.

The case was heard on December 17, with details released today.

A statement on the prosecution from Gravesham council added: "The illegal dumping and burning of waste has a huge impact on the rural environment, leading to contamination of land and pollution of the air, due to the burning of plastics and other toxic materials.

"The depositing and burning of controlled waste by businesses should only be carried out with the authorisation of the Environment Agency and in a manner which will not cause air pollution or contamination of the land."