The environmental public protection team (noise and nuisance service) will investigate statutory nuisance.
Statutory nuisance
Statutory nuisance refers to activities or conditions that significantly interfere with the use or enjoyment of a home or other premises, or that could harm health. These nuisances are covered by the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
We must investigate complaints about issues that could be a 'statutory nuisance'. If it is agreed that a statutory nuisance is happening, has happened or will happen in the future, we can serve an abatement notice (usually on the person responsible). See What happens after I report a noise or nuisance?
Examples of statutory nuisance
- Domestic noise: noisy parties, persistent excessively loud music, loud TV or radio, excessive dog barking or other noisy domestic animals (animal noise), DIY noises at unreasonable times, excessively loud voices (shouting), car alarms, house alarms* and fireworks
- Commercial noise: mechanical plant and machinery noise, amplified noise including music, construction noise (particularly outside of reasonable hours) and licensed premises
- Smoke: emissions from premises, such as from bonfires, burning or industrial activities
- Odours: unpleasant smells from industrial, trade, or business premises
- Dust pollution: dust nuisance from industrial, trade, or business premises
- Artificial light: excessive light from premises that disrupts sleep or daily activities
- Insect infestations: infestations originating from industrial or business premises
- Accumulations: piles of rubbish or waste that attract pests or create health hazards, high hedges and Japanese Knotweed. See How to stop Japanese knotweed from spreading - GOV.UK
*House alarms or intruder alarms are designed to sound to make people aware of a problem. However they should not sound for more than 20 minutes and should have an auto cut off device fitted. If they sound repeatedly or continuously they may be faulty or there may be a power issue at the address.
See - Noise and nuisance problems we can't deal with
For more information see: Statutory nuisances: how councils deal with complaints - GOV.UK
Construction guidance
All sites and construction operatives must adhere to the Councils Code of Construction Practice. A copy of the code together with guidance on construction works can be found here: Construction guidance for contractors
High hedges
The council handles complaints about high hedges under the guidelines set by the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003.
When you can complain
- The hedge must be over 2 meters tall and consist of a line of two or more evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs.
- The hedge must be causing an adverse effect on your enjoyment of your home or garden.
- You must have taken all reasonable steps to resolve the issue with your neighbour before involving the council.
Council's role
- The council will investigate to determine if the hedge is causing a statutory nuisance.
- If a nuisance is confirmed, the council can issue an abatement notice requiring the hedge owner to take action.
- Our fee for a preliminary investigation of a high hedge complaint is £171.70. The fee for a formal investigation and remedial notice is £515.10.
How to report
- You can report high hedge issues to the Environmental Public Protection Nuisance Team (EPPNT) by calling 020 8753 1081 during office hours or 020 8748 8588 outside office hours.
- Complaints about high hedges can also be reported online.
More information about reporting to the council GOV.UK - High hedges: Complaining to the council