HASLEMERE car body shop Katz Auto Services has been ordered to pay £18,120 for failing to control bad smells, after a successful prosecution by Waverley Borough Council.

It was found guilty of breaching the requirements of an abatement notice at Guildford Magistrates’ Court.

Waverley’s Environmental Health team was alerted to problem after receiving numerous complaints from neighbouring properties.

After several site visits by its environmental health officers, the council found the odour, caused by vehicle spraying equipment and an oven, to be a statutory nuisance and served an abatement notice instructing the company to control the odour, in May 2013.

Over the next two years Waverley received more complaints and after conducting further site visits, found the company was not adhering to the requirements of the notice.

Katz has to pay a £5,000 fine, £3,000 in compensation, costs of £10,000 and a victim surcharge fee of £120, all within three years.

Richard Homewood, Waverley’s head of environmental services, said: “I am extremely pleased with the outcome of this case.

“It just shows the commitment and professionalism of the council’s environmental health and legal services in protecting the health and well-being of the public.

“I’d like to make it clear to offenders that while the council will always try to work with businesses to resolve issues, it will have no hesitation in using its powers to prosecute those who cause a nuisance and adversely affect the quality of life of the community and cause misery for residents who just want to enjoy living in this wonderful borough.”