Light nuisance

A statutory light nuisance is determined under the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The legal definition of what constitutes a statutory nuisance is complex and based on many years of case law.
There are no set levels for light to be considered a statutory nuisance. We will need to consider the following key factors when investigating a light nuisance:

• The light must substantially affect the enjoyment of comfortable living, such as prevention of sleep
• Is the light likely to affect the average person (unusual sensitivities aren't included)
• How often it happens
• When it happens
• How long it lasts
• Whether it is in the town or country
• Whether the light remains a problem with curtains or blinds closed. The expectation in law is that that a person uses blinds/curtains to block out light at night

The law identifies some exempt premises where, because of their nature and importance to the community some external lighting may be required to prevent crime, disorder and safety hazards. Exempt sources include: airports, railway premises, bus stations, defence facilities, prisons and goods vehicle operating centres.
There is a defence for all trade, business or outdoor sports facilities that the best practical means is being taken to prevent light nuisance.

Depending on the circumstances, you may wish to speak to the person or business responsible for the light. They may not realise they are causing a problem and the issue may be resolved quickly this way.

If you wish to complain to the council about a light problem you will need to first download and complete some light log sheets (PDF) [185KB] (opens new window)  These log sheets need to be kept for a period of at least 2 weeks, you should use the log sheets to detail the impact of the light on your property and you as well as dates and times that the light is affecting you. You must ensure the log sheets include your address as well as the location and address of where the light is coming from.

When the log sheets are received officers will review the information and consider the location of the light in relation to your property. If the officer decides based on your information that the complaint needs investigating they may arrange to visit during darkness in an attempt to witness the light. Officers will usually undertake a maximum of three visits to substantiate your complaint.  If after the three visits no nuisance has been established, the council will close the investigation.

Having considered all the evidence, the investigation will result in one of the following courses of action:

a) No further action if no nuisance is substantiated
b) Informal advice.
c) Service of formal statutory notice to abate the nuisance requiring the organisation responsible to take remedial action.

If an abatement notice is served and not complied with legal action may be taken through the Courts.
Enforcement will be carried out in accordance with Public Protection enforcement policy..

Simple Solutions for resolving a domestic security light complaint:

• Reduce the wattage of the bulb(s)
• Provide baffles
• Direct the lighting fixtures down below the horizontal plane or away from neighbouring property
• Reduce the number of fixtures
• Reduce the height
• Reduce the time period for which they operate.
• Reduce the sensitivity of the light trigger

The Institute of Lighting Professionals provide guidance (opens new window) about how to minimise obtrusive lighting.

There may be instances where an individual decides they wish to pursue their own action independently of the council.

Information about how to do this can be found on the How to take your own legal action page.