Light nuisance

We will continue to fulfil our statutory functions, including the investigation of alleged nuisance complaints.

However, due to the current Covid restrictions, internal visits to occupied premises/properties will not be undertaken and may extend the time for officers to complete these investigations.

We encourage residents to be considerate to one another and ensure their activities do not cause a nuisance, or additional stress, to others.

Complaints about light nuisance can be investigated by our Environmental Health Officers.

There is no set level where artificial light becomes a statutory nuisance.

However, light must be shining into your property causing unreasonable interference to be counted as a light nuisance. If the light is simply brightening the night sky, this is light pollution.

Reducing light nuisance

You can reduce light nuisance from your own property by:

using low wattage bulbs
fitting infrared sensors to lights
shading light bulbs
moving lights out of direct view of other properties.

To find out how more, visit the Institution of Lighting Professionals website.

Light nuisance from neighbouring properties

Domestic light nuisance occurs when light from a neighbouring property intrudes into yours.

You may wish to speak to your neighbours before making a formal complaint. They may not be aware of the problem, and this can resolve the majority of complaints.

If this doesn't resolve the issue, we may be able to formally investigate and offer advice.

Making a complaint

If you wish to make a complaint, we will need:

your contact details including name, address, telephone number and email address
the address of the light source
detailed information about the light.

As part of the investigation we will provide you with a diary to complete with further details.

We will attempt to resolve the issue informally. If we are unable to do this, you may need to give evidence in the Magistrates Court.

There are some premises where the statutory nuisance from light does not apply. This includes:

airports
harbours
railways
bus stations
vehicle operating centres.

If your complaint is about light nuisance from one of the above sources, you may still be able to make a case in civil law. You will need to seek independent legal advice to do this.

Contact details

You can contact us to make a complaint about light nuisance, or to ask questions.

Email: eandr@nfdc.gov.uk

Phone: 02380 285411

Environmental Health
Appletree Court
Beaulieu Road
Lyndhurst
SO43 7PA

Our office hours are:

Monday to Thursday: 8.45am to 5.15pm

Fridays: 8.45am to 4.45pm