Johnsons Aggregates fined nearly £90,000 for breaking its waste permit.
The Environment Agency (EA) has prosecuted Johnsons Aggregates and Recycling Ltd, the same company operating at Saxon Pit in Whittlesey, after large amounts of ash were found spread over neighbouring land at its Ilkeston site in Derbyshire.
The firm pleaded guilty at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court and was fined £40,000 with £49,886.75 in costs. The court heard that EA officers discovered waste ash covering about five acres outside the permitted boundary, following complaints about dust, odour and noise.
The Agency said the case shows it will not tolerate illegal waste activities and reminded the public to report any suspected waste crime.
For Whittlesey residents, this is a clear reminder of why strong oversight and independent monitoring at Saxon Pit are essential.
The case was confirmed in an EA press release on 11 November 2025. A spokesperson said:
“This case shows that operators in the waste sector should realise we will not tolerate illegal waste activities. We will take enforcement action to protect the environment, people and legitimate businesses.”
The same operator is now seeking to expand its operation here by:
• increasing IBA throughput from 250,000 to 460,000 tonnes per year (an 84% rise)
• doubling daily IBA processing capacity
• more than tripling C&D waste throughput (up 208%)
• expanding total on-site waste storage by 43%
• reducing freeboard (the buffer between the top of the waste piles and the wall) from 1.0 m to 0.5 m
• and introducing outdoor IBA crushing.
Saxongate has submitted detailed objections and expects the planning decision to go before committee in 2026.
Derbyshire firm to pay nearly £90,000 for breaking waste permit – GOV.UK
Ghost@SaxonGate.