A SMALLHOLDER has been fined £8,000 after claiming a seasonal illness left him "too tired" to clear an eyesore site in the New Forest.

Kemal Malik, whose land is littered with old cars, was convicted at New Forest Magistrates' Court of failing to comply with planning enforcement notices.

New Forest District Council issued three notices after ruling that Malik was using farming land for non-agricultural purposes, the court was told.

Julia Mutlow, prosecuting, said Malik was told to demolish several structures that lacked planning permission, stop storing cars and caravans on the site and reduce the height of the entrance gates.

She said the defendant failed to carry out the work, despite telling the council on several occasions that he would comply with their instructions.

Malik, 48, of Cheshire Close, Salisbury, denied the offences, which related to land at Chalk Pit, Tidpit, near Martin, a few miles north-west of Fordingbridge.

The defendant said he suffered from Seasonal Affective Disorder (Sad) during the winter and claimed he was too tired to clear the land.

"Had it not been for my health I'd have done the lot in six months," he said.

"During dull weather I feel worn out all the time. I'm a part-time driver, which is the only job I can do physically."

However, Malik was found guilty of failing to comply with the notices.

Magistrate Colin Bell, deputy chairman of the New Forest bench, said Seasonal Affective Disorder did not amount to a statutory defence.

Malik was fined a total of £8,000 with £791 costs for failing to comply with the first two notices, which related to unauthorised buildings and the storage of vehicles.