Submit a complaint about a bonfire
Under the statutory nuisance legislation we can only investigate odours coming from trade or business premises.
We cannot:
- act on normal levels of smoke produced by BBQs
- Burning of trade waste should be reported to the Environment Agency 24-hour pollution hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
Before making a formal complaint
Try to discuss the problem with your neighbour. They may be unaware that they are causing a disturbance.
If you do not:
- get a positive response
- 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.
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.
Submit a complaint about a bonfire
We will only investigate bonfires that breach our bonfire code of practice.
Bonfire guidelines
- Keep the number of bonfires to an absolute minimum and only burn dry garden refuse. Never burn household rubbish or other materials.
- If you are a trade or business you should not have a bonfire to dispose of your waste. Trade waste should be removed by a licensed carrier (unless it is green waste) and disposed of at a licensed site. For more information contact the Environment Agency.
- Be prepared to consult your neighbours before lighting a bonfire to seek their agreement and ensure that no inconvenience will be caused.
- Do not light a bonfire when weather conditions will cause problems. Smoke hangs in the air on damp, windless days and in the evenings and at sunset.
- Site the bonfire in a safe place and as far away as possible from your neighbours' property. Do not site near to buildings, fences, hedges, trees and similar.
- Do not light a fire when smoke will be blown over neighbours' property or roads.
- Do not use flammable liquids such as petrol, paraffin or methylated spirits to light a bonfire or keep it burning.
- Always keep the bonfire under supervision and ensure that is extinguished completely before you leave it by dousing with soil or water.
- Keep a hose pipe or buckets of water close to hand and be ready to extinguish the fire if problems arise, for example, a sudden change of wind direction.
- There are no times when bonfires are permitted or forbidden. However, it is important to consider your neighbours' activities, such as washing on the line, open windows, sitting in the garden, or decorating.
Burning manure
Government guidance says it is against the law to dump or burn some solid wastes, which includes horse manure and contaminated bedding.
The government has set guidelines for dealing with waste from farm and livery horses.
Depending on the circumstances and what is most appropriate, either the Environment Agency or the council may complete an investigation.