A North Devon couple have been fined after sewage from an overflowing septic tank discharged onto land next to a neighbour's property.
Jamie Snow and Stacey Wilkins, from rural Witheridge, appeared at Barnstaple Magistrates Court on Monday, August 24. They were fined for failing to comply with a notice requiring them to replace a defective drainage system on their land.
In December 2024, each of them was served with two notices under the Building Act. This followed a council investigation into a complaint about an overflowing septic tank at their property.
One notice required them to fix the problems caused by the septic tank. The second required them to replace the drainage system.
The couple temporarily dealt with the overflow, but they did not start work on a replacement drainage system during the nine-month notice period. During that time, officers received more complaints about the foul smell.
Snow pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the notice. He was ordered to pay £262 in total, made up of an £80 fine, a £32 surcharge and £150 in costs.
Wilkins was found guilty in her absence and ordered to pay £318 in total, comprising a £120 fine, a £48 surcharge and £150 in costs.
Councillor Ricky Knight, Lead Member for Climate and Environment at North Devon Council, said: "Defective or inadequate foul drainage systems can pose a serious risk to public health and the environment. Untreated wastewater may contain harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites, while leaking sewage can attract pests and pollute neighbouring land and watercourses.
"In this case, sewage effluent was discharging onto land bordering a neighbouring property and into a nearby ditch, creating a risk of environmental pollution and concern for nearby drinking water supplies.
"We always seek to work with property owners to resolve these issues through advice and guidance, but where notices are not complied with, we will take enforcement action to protect local communities and the environment."
North Devon Couple Fined for Sewage Leak on Neighbouring Land