Artificial light nuisance
Nuisance lighting from your neighbours
If your neighbours lighting is causing problems for you it is advisable to discuss your concerns with your neighbour to solve the matter informally. Your neighbour may not be aware that their lighting is causing you a problem. Minor adjustments to the lighting may be a solution, for example:
- re-angling or partial shading of the light
- fitting of a passive infra red sensor
- using a lower power bulb
You can show the neighbour the effect of the light from "your side of the fence".
Unless the light is shining directly into a window at night and normal curtains do not keep it out we do not have the legal authority to investigate.
Lighting guidance
Legislation for artificial light
The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 amended the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to bring artificial light from premises under the Statutory Nuisance regime as of 6 April 2006. Statutory Nuisance however does not apply to artificial light from:
- street lighting
- airports
- bus stations and associated facilities and tramway premises
- goods vehicle operating centres
- railway premises
- prisons
- public service vehicle operating centres
- premises occupied for defence premises
- harbours and lighthouses
Request a formal investigation into an alleged nuisance
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Page last reviewed: 16 April 2024
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