The Environment Agency has ordered landowners to clear illegally-dumped waste at a scrapyard.

A Section 59 Enforcement Notice was issued on Monday to the owners of Brambletree Wharf near Borstal, ordering that “all illegally deposited waste is removed within a six-month period”.

Lorries have been seen dumping building waste and cars for more than six years at the riverside site – in a designated area of outstanding natural beauty – prompting repeat calls for action to be taken.

Stuart Tranter, a former Conservative councillor who represented Rochester on Medway Council, welcomed the news.

He said he had recently met with the Environment Agency, Rochester MP Kelly Tolhurst and residents regarding the Brambletree "illegal tip" issue.

“I am pleased to announce that on Monday the EA have told us they have issued a Section 59 Enforcement Notice on the landowner requiring that all illegally deposited waste is removed within a six-month period,” he said.

“This is another very important step on the journey, and consistent with the planning enforcement activity put in place by the council following my pressure.

“I fully expect this is still a long way from final resolution, but for those who are directly affected it is welcome news.

“Other related investigations continue. I hope to find out more about legal remedies if the landowner does not comply, but we will not stop until this is resolved.

“We are limited on what can be shared regarding investigations but get in touch if you want to know more.”

The Environment Agency confirmed the action and said an investigation into the site was ongoing.

A statement added: “Our specialist environmental crime officers continue to work with Medway Council and Kent Police to investigate alleged illegal activity at a waste site at Wouldham Road in Borstal.

“We keep all enforcement options under constant review and are grateful to members of the public who contacted us about the site.

“Anyone with new concerns or information relating to alleged disposal of waste or waste activity at the site, can call our incident hotline on 0800 807060, or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111. Information given to either number will be treated anonymously.”