Light Pollution

From April 2006 the nuisance provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 have been extended by the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act to cover artificial light emitted from premises (excluding transport facilities, freight depots, lighthouses, defence premises and prisons). Abatement notices can be served by the Council if light, for example from domestic security lights, is causing a nuisance. For light to be a nuisance it would have to materially affect someone's use of their home, or their health, based on average sensibilities.

On receipt of complaints about nuisance lighting, we will contact the owner of the light to suggest that they contact the occupiers of neighbouring properties to ensure that lighting on their premises is not causing a disturbance.

Complainants are advised to keep a record of the times and the duration of alleged nuisance should they wish to pursue the matter further. If problems are not resolved an officer will investigate whether, in their opinion, the light is causing a nuisance. For more information see Statutory Nuisance.

More detailed information on how you can reduce light pollution is available from The Institution of Lighting Engineers, who produce a range of advice leaflets. See also The National Society for Clean Air and Environmental Protection and Campaign for Dark Skies for information on the wider environmental problem of light pollution.

More detailed information on the law and government guidance is available at the Department of Environment and Rural Affairs (defra).