Court Extends Restriction on Illegal Dumping Site Access Near Kent Coast

Public access will continue to be prohibited at a site next to the Kent coastline, Eastchurch Gap on the Isle of Sheppey, where the illegal dumping of waste is currently under investigation. The area was initially closed in June 2023 after shredded household and builders’ waste was deposited there. Magistrates have now agreed to prolong the restriction on unauthorised entry to the site for an additional six months. Matt Higginson, from the Environment Agency, affirmed that the main priority is “protecting the Eastchurch community and environment.” Individuals entering the site without a reasonable excuse or written permission from the Environment Agency will be committing a criminal offence. An access gate has been secured, and concrete blocks have been placed at the site’s entrance. The initial restriction order was put in place due to concerns from local residents and the environmental impact resulting from the waste tipping at the site. Mr. Higginson commented, “Specialist officers regularly inspect the land at Eastchurch Gap, in order to disrupt the illegal dumping of waste.” He also stated, “Our criminal investigation into a number of illegal waste sites in Kent, including Eastchurch Gap, continues.”