A NORTH Devon couple have been fined for failing to comply with a notice requiring them to replace a defective drainage system on their land, following a successful prosecution from North Devon Council.

Cases for Jamie Snow and Stacey Wilkins, of rural Witheridge, were heard at Barnstaple Magistrates' Court on Monday, August 24.

The couple were each served with two notices under the Building Act in December 2024 after council officers investigated a complaint of an overflowing septic tank at their property. One notice required them to remedy the issues caused by the septic tank, and a second required them to replace the drainage system.

While the couple temporarily remedied the overflow, they did not start work to provide a replacement drainage system during the nine-month notice period, during which officers received further complaints about the foul smell.

Snow pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the notice. He was ordered to pay a total of £262 comprising an £80 fine, a £32 surcharge and £150 in costs.

Wilkins was found guilty in absence and was ordered to pay a total of £318 comprising a £120 fine, £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."