“Permits are there to protect communities,” said the Environment Agency’s Gary Wallace as a Northumberland man was sentenced for running an illegal waste site at Old Swarland. Newcastle Magistrates’ Court gave Dominic Allan, 30, a 23‑week term suspended for 12 months, 16 days’ rehab and £3,154 costs on Friday 19 December.

The court was told Allan ignored clear advice to stop and clear the land. Officers who visited in July and August 2024 found scrap vehicles, mixed household and construction waste and signs of burning; in October a locked compound was still smoking. His social media showed offers of waste collection and vehicle parts sales.

He had already been in trouble at the same site: in August 2021 he received a 12‑month prison sentence, costs and an order to clear the land for unpermitted waste operations and burning.

This is rural Northumberland, not an industrial yard. Smoke from burned rubbish drifts across homes and lanes, and piles of broken panels and tyres don’t just vanish. Locals know the difference between a tidy yard and a dump-and they live with the mess when rules are flouted.

Waste handling isn’t a grey area. Most storage, sorting and disposal work needs proper permissions and competent operators. Without that, neighbours and landowners shoulder the risk while straight‑dealing local firms lose work to corner‑cutting outfits.

If residents spot suspected dumping, they should report it promptly and, where safe, note dates, photos and vehicle details. That helps regulators build cases and protects the people who speak up. Rural communities shouldn’t have to tolerate smoky nights and fly‑tipped heaps.

For small builders, farmers and car traders, this case is a practical reminder to use licensed carriers and keep transfer notes. It keeps sites insurable, avoids nasty surprises with materials such as plasterboard, and shows customers you’re doing the job properly.

Allan was ordered to remove all remaining waste by 30 June 2026 and warned he will be brought back before the court if he fails to comply.

He admitted two offences under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 covering unpermitted waste operations between July and October 2024 and on 20 March 2025.