Find out how to deal with nuisance from light and how to make a complaint about noise.
Councils must look into complaints about artificial light from premises if the light could be classed as a statutory nuisance. For the artificial light to count as a statutory nuisance it must do one of the following:
Light nuisance occurs when bright or poorly placed lights bother nearby people. It can be defined as any form of artificial light which shines outside the area it needs to illuminate. This typically means light that:
We are unlikely to take action if the light only affects areas like gardens, bathrooms, or simply spoils a view.
We can investigate complaints about artificial light from most types of premises, including homes and businesses.
However, we cannot take action if the light comes from:
To help us assess your complaint, please provide:
This evidence helps us understand the scale and impact of the issue.
If you’re installing outdoor lighting, follow these simple tips to avoid disturbing your neighbours:
More light isn’t always better. It can make things less secure and create shadows for people to hide in.
For more guidance, see: