A LANDOWNER in Chaddesley Corbett has been fined for covering over an open stream on his land without permission.

Richard Yardley, of Cakebole Lane, was fined £500 after being prosecuted for filling in six metres of the Elmley Brook and installing a culvert on his land, increasing the risk of flooding and potentially damaging the ecology and biodiversity of the area.

Wyre Forest District Council lodged legal papers against Mr Yardley under the Land Drainage Act on January 22 this year.

The case was brought after a senior officer from the North Worcestershire Water Management team visited the site in October 2019 and discovered that Mr Yardley had covered over part of the stream without consent from the council.

In February, Mr Yardley was given formal notice to remove the culvert by August 28, 2020, but a site visit in September revealed that the notice had not been complied with.

A magistrate imposed a fine of £500 and ordered Mr Yardley to pay costs of £194.19 and a victim surcharge of £50.

Wyre Forest Council is reminding residents they must seek approval before carrying out any work involving streams, brooks and culverts on their land.

Consent is required for any works that affect the flow of an ordinary watercourse, such as the installation of culverts, weirs or certain bridges.

Cabinet member with responsibility for water management, Councillor Nicky Martin, said: “It is important for residents to apply for permission before carrying out any work that alters the flow of a watercourse on their land. This is a legal requirement irrespective of whether works are permanent or temporary.

“We have seen only too often the devastating impact flooding can have on residents and businesses in our district.

"In this case the landowner was made aware that the work he had carried out was not permitted. He was given time to put things right, but ignored the opportunity.

"It is not worth running the risk of being prosecuted and fined for ignoring the law.”

People can apply for consent on the council's website.