Types of statutory nuisance and how to report
A statutory nuisance is something that is harmful to health or causes a significant nuisance. It is defined in Section 79 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and can include the following:
Types of statutory nuisance
Property disrepair
- choked or defective drains causing sewage to back up into a property or onto land
- missing roof tiles leading to rainwater leaking into a home
Smoke
- smoke escaping from premises, such as garden bonfires affecting neighbouring homes
Fumes or gases
- for example, fumes from a dry‑cleaning business seeping into residential flats above
Dust, steam, smells, or odours
- any unpleasant or harmful emissions from industrial, trade, or business premises
Accumulations or deposits
- decomposing household waste
- materials containing asbestos where fibres could be released
Noise
- industrial noise
- noise from commercial premises, such as live music, affecting nearby homes
How we handle statutory nuisance
We are legally required to investigate complaints and determine whether a statutory nuisance exists. If it does, we can issue a Statutory nuisance abatement notice under Section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Making a complaint
To report a potential statutory nuisance to Environmental Services, complete our Customer service enquiry form.
Why we need your details
To show that a nuisance is affecting someone, we usually need your contact information.
- your details are kept confidential and are not shared with the public
- if formal legal action is required, your identity may need to be disclosed to support the case. You will be notified before this happens
- some ongoing issues (for example, repeated noise or burning) may be investigated anonymously, but without your details we may not be able to fully resolve the matter