Light nuisance complaints
What we will investigate
We will investigate complaints regarding nuisance caused by artificial lights which might be affecting you at your property.
We cannot investigate complaints which relate to natural light and there are no set levels where light is considered a statutory nuisance.
The kind of complaints that we typically investigate relate to security lights, sports facilities, illuminated signs and external lighting at carparks and business premises.
Guidance
The Institute of Lighting Professionals has produced guidance:
They describe how to design external lighting schemes and how to prevent problems arising from external lighting at domestic premises.
What happens next?
After a report has been made, we will review the evidence we have collected and determine the best course of action. The legal options depend on the case and may include:
- action under part 3 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990
- action under the Anti-Social Behaviour (Crime and Policing) Act 2014
See also our anti-social behaviour policy and procedure for further information.
Issues we can’t help with
There are some things that we can't help with, such as:
- light nuisance from street lights
- headlights of vehicles upon the highway
- interference with the use of telescopes
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 specifically exempts certain types of premises and so we cannot not deal with statutory nuisance from these. Locally, these premises include:
- railway premises
- bus stations
- public transport operating centres
- goods vehicle operating centres
- prisons
- defence premises and premises occupied by visiting armed forces