Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005
Under new legislation covered by the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, nuisance from artificial lighting and insects (under certain conditions) can now be considered as a potential statutory nuisance and may need to be investigated by Environmental Health Officers.
Local Authorities now have a duty to investigate complaints regarding domestic/commercial security lighting and sporting facility lighting. Festive Christmas lighting would not normally be covered by this legislation due to the nature of its short duration. Additionally street lighting cannot be considered as the lighting has to originate from premises as well as affecting other premises.
Members of the public with a complaint about a neighbour’s security light are encouraged to discuss the matter with the source of the light to try and resolve the matter informally. If this is not successful or if they are unable to do so, the Local Authority will investigate the complaint and decide on the most appropriate course of action.
Security lighting on commercial premises are also subject to the same rules, but may also be actionable under planning controls.
Complaints about insects are usually dealt with by our Pest Control Officers. Under the new legislation, Houseflies, Blow Flies and Fruit Flies will be the most common insects to be reported. These are found everywhere throughout the country, especially during the spring/summer months and do not constitute a hazard under normal circumstances.
Environmental Health Officers now have a duty to investigate complaints regarding large numbers of insects at, for example: sewage treatment works or manure/silage storage areas, animal housing (including licensed boarding establishments), slaughterhouses and commercial food premises (such as cafes, restaurants & warehouses). This legislation only covers insect nuisance caused by commercial premises.
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