As a council, we must look into complaints about artificial light from premises if the light could be classed as a ‘statutory nuisance’.
For artificial light to be a statutory nuisance, it has to do one of these things:
- seriously and unreasonably stop someone from using or enjoying their home or other premises
- harm someone’s health or be likely to harm their health
Report a problem
Use our online form.
What can cause artificial light problems
Artificial light can become a problem if it’s too bright, badly aimed, or not looked after properly.
Some things that can cause this are:
- security lights on houses or shops
- sports lights, like the bright ones on football pitches
- decorative lights that shine on buildings or gardens
- laser shows or light art that send out strong beams of light
Artificial light not covered by statutory nuisance laws
These are premises used for transport purposes and other premises where high levels of light are required for safety and security reasons.
These include:
- airports
- harbours
- railway premises
- tramway premises
- prisons
- bus stations and associated facilities
- public service vehicle operating centres
- goods vehicle operating centres
- lighthouses
- premises occupied for defence purposes