Artificial Light Nuisance

We can deal with issues relating to excessive artificial light coming from poorly positioned security lights, garden lights, flood lighting from sports grounds or industrial lighting.

It does not cover:

• Airports and harbours
• Bus stations
• Goods vehicles operating centres (distribution houses)
• Lighthouses
• Prisons
• Public service vehicle operating centre (coach or taxi companies)
• Railway premises.

If you are being disturbed by artificial lighting, there are two ways to address it

1. Take Informal Action

Neighbours may not be aware that their external lighting is bothering you and may be happy to meet your requests or make a compromise.  However, if you don't feel able to approach those responsible for the lighting or have already tried and were unsuccessful, more direct action may be needed and you should contact us.

2. Abatement Notice

The Council will make an assessment of the lighting.   We may ask you to keep a diary recording the dates and times of each disturbance, or to allow our Officers into your home to monitor the level of lighting.  If we agree that a nuisance exists or is likely to occur, we can serve the person responsible with an Abatement Notice, asking them to alter or reduce it.

If they don't comply with the notice, we can take the offender to court where they can be fined up to £5,000 (private premises) or up to £20,000 for commercial or industrial premises.

Contact Details

Email: ehealth@nmandd.org

Telephone: 0330 137 4024