A businessman has been hit with a hefty fine for posing a risk to public health and the environment.

Epping Forest District Council brought a prosecution against Christopher Harwood for offences committed at the former Chimes Garden Nursery site, in Nazeing, last month.

Harwood of Porters Close, Buntingford, entered a guilty plea at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court, to the offence of disposing of controlled waste in a manner which was likely to cause pollution of the environment or harm to human health.

EFDC warned Mr Harwood, director of C & P Property Lettings, which manages the site, in July 2012, that they had received complaints about smoke.

A spokeswoman for the council said: “Neighbourhood officers from the Council visited the site in July.

“There was a strong foul odour and smoke coming from a large bonfire. They examined the bonfire and saw that it contained a straw-like material, together with painted doors, plastic containers and sheeting, general waste and a large quantity of eggs.

“Mr Harwood was on site and admitted that he was responsible for the bonfire. Later in an interview under caution he admitted that the rubbish being burnt was to get rid of waste that would not be taken by waste removal contractors.

“The Magistrates gave Mr Harwood credit for his guilty plea and his previous good character but had also taken into account the obnoxious smell suffered by local residents.”

Mr Harwood was handed a £900 fine.

For advice on waste disposal from the council, visit www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/environment-and-neighbourhoods-team or to report suspicious activity, call 01992 564608.