Council prosecutes illegal ‘Junk Yard’ operator
A Welby man has been ordered to pay $15,000 by Moss Vale Local Court following a successful prosecution by Wingecarribee Shire Council.
Hassan Salem of Welby was found to be operating a prohibited ‘junk yard’ business from a residential property.
Investigations found Mr Salem had been running the illegal business from the property which involved the collection of scrap metal and the collection and resale of unwanted items including cars and boats.
In handing down his decision, Local Court Magistrate Ian Cheetham accepted that not only was the business prohibited, but it was out of character with the immediate surrounds.
Council successfully argued that the illegal business created environmental impacts such as noise that would have affected the amenity and enjoyment of nearby residents.
It was also found that the man had been running the illegal operations for some time and had continued to do so despite the orders from Council to cease.
The Magistrate said that the penalty imposed in matters like this must be significant enough to deter others from committing this type of offence.
Council reminds prospective business owners to always obtain proper approvals and ensure that the business they are embarking upon is permissible in their chosen area.