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.
You can reduce light nuisance from your own property by:
To find out how more, visit the Institution of Lighting Professionals website.
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.
If you wish to make a complaint, we will need:
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:
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.
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
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