Before making a formal complaint, try to discuss the problem with your neighbour. They may be unaware that their light is causing a disturbance.
However, if you do not get a positive response, do not feel comfortable speaking to your neighbour, or the problem persists and is regular, you can report it to us.
We will only investigate problems that are a statutory nuisance.
Report an artificial light problem
You cannot make an anonymous report to us. We will not share your name or contact details with the person or business you are reporting.
We will carry out an investigation and take action where possible. If we cannot take action, you may be able to take legal action yourself.
How artificial light complaints are assessed
We can investigate complaints about artificial light coming from premises that could be a statutory nuisance.
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 allows us to take action against artificial light problems that do one of the following:
- unreasonably and substantially interfere with the use or enjoyment of your home or other premises
- injure health or be likely to injure health
How we assess an artificial light complaint
There are no set levels of artificial light which are treated as a statutory and enforceable nuisance. We decide whether complaints are a statutory nuisance by considering:
- the amount of light
- how often it happens and for how long
- the impact it has on you
- how it fits within nature and character of the local environment
- how unreasonable the activity is (for example, whether the light would affect the average person)
What happens next
When you make a complaint, we will contact the person responsible to investigate the problem.
If we find that the problem is a statutory nuisance, an abatement notice can be served to the person or business responsible. Anyone who continues to break the law can be fined.
Installing outdoor lighting
If you are installing artificial lighting outside your property, you should take steps to prevent it from becoming a nuisance.
Consider:
- Is the light necessary?
- How it will affect others, for example, the direction of the beam and how the light will 'spill' onto neighbouring properties?
- How long does the light need to be turned on?
- Can security be achieved in another way?
- Could any sensors used to trigger lights be set off accidentally?
More information on installing lighting
For further information and guidance, contact the Institution of Lighting Professionals.