Report a nuisance

If smoke, bad smells or noise from neighbours or nearby businesses are affecting you, please complete the form below so we can look into it.

The council has powers to investigate certain issues known as statutory nuisances (the problem must affect health or unreasonably interfere with everyday life). These are set out in section 79 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Some common examples include: noise, smoke, odour, artificial light or built‑up rubbish or waste.

When something is or is not a statutory nuisance

Certain issues are not classed as statutory nuisances. For example, everyday domestic cooking smells from neighbours, normal household noise from day‑to‑day family life, most one‑off events, and light from streetlights are generally not considered nuisances.

For something to qualify as a statutory nuisance, it typically needs to be experienced in your home (or in rare cases, your workplace). It must also meet several criteria. Usually, the activity should not reasonably be happening in that way, it should occur persistently or regularly, and those responsible should not be taking reasonable steps to prevent or stop it.

Most importantly, the issue must cause a clear and unreasonable interference with your ability to enjoy your everyday life.

Report a nuisance
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