Statutory nuisance

Report an environmental concern nuisance (light, odour and dust)

Light pollution

Artificial lighting is important for safety and security, but poorly placed or overly bright lights can cause a nuisance.

Common sources:

  • street lighting
  • security lights
  • sports pitch floodlights

Try speaking to the person responsible first. If the issue continues, we can investigate.

Note: This does not apply to natural light, such as sunlight reflecting off solar panels.

How we investigate:

  • we assess how unreasonable the light is to the average person.
  • you may be asked to complete a diary of when and how you're affected.
  • we may contact the source and offer advice.
  • if a statutory nuisance is found, we can issue enforcement notices or take legal action.

Private action:

You can also take your case to a Magistrates’ Court.

Odour and dust pollution

We can only investigate odours and dust from business or industrial premises – not from homes

Odour and dust can come from:

  • construction sites
  • restaurants and takeaways
  • industrial sites
  • agricultural land

Commercial kitchens

Poorly maintained extraction systems can cause unpleasant smells. The Environmental Protection Team aims to control smells from food premises during the planning process by recommending the inclusion of conditions to control filtration and discharge at a suitable height.

Land spreading

Spreading fertiliser on farmland is legal and may cause short-term odours.

Construction sites

Dust may be controlled through planning conditions. Contact the Planning Department for advice.

How we investigate

  • we assess how unreasonable the issue is.
  • you may be asked to complete a diary.
  • we may contact the source and offer advice.
  • we may monitor the issue and take enforcement action if needed.

Private action

You can take your case to a Magistrates’ Court if you're affected by a nuisance.

Contact us

If you're experiencing a nuisance or need advice: