InformationLight pollution and nuisance
What is Light Nuisance?
Light nuisance is excessive, artificial light that is allowed into areas not intended to be lit. We can take action when light pollution is classed as a nuisance. It is classed as a nuisance when it affects a person’s health or enjoyment of their home.? It includes lights on domestic and commercial premises.
Light nuisances we may be able to help you with include:
- security lights (both household and commercial)
- sports facilities (such as floodlit football pitches)
- decorative lighting on buildings or landscape
- laser shows and light art
We are unable to help you with light coming from:
- natural light
- railways
- bus stations
- taxi ranks
- lorry depots
- defence premises such as navy bases and armed forces
The above are not covered by nuisance laws.
Is light nuisance the same as light pollution?
No. Light pollution is a broader term and includes “sky glow”, the cumulative effect of artificial lights in towns and cities. We currently have no power to deal with light pollution of the night sky. Planning and development control services may consider factors that affect the amenity of an area when considering individual planning applications.
Further information on light pollution of the night sky can be on the Campaign to Protect Rural England website.
If you are disturbed by light
Try and talk to the person responsible.?They may not realise they are causing a problem. Be calm and polite and listen to their point of view. Try to come up with an answer that makes both of you happy. They may be able to re-angle or partially shade the light, fit an infrared sensor or use a lower-power bulb.
If you would prefer to send them a letter, you can use one of these templates.
Template Formal Letter to Neighbour
Template Informal Letter to Neighbour
Report a light nuisance issue
If talking to them does not work, we can investigate your complaint.
To make a complaint we will need:
- your contact details
- details of the source of the problem
- any other relevant information you may have. The case officer is likely to ask you to complete a nuisance diary to show when the nuisance is affecting you
We will also ask you to keep a diary record of the problems over three weeks. This should include:
- a?description of the light nuisance and how it affects you in your home and/or garden
- the dates the light disturbs you
- the times the light starts and stops
Please report light pollution
How to avoid causing light pollution
The simple tips below may help reduce the likelihood of causing a nuisance.
If you are fitting lights, consider:
- if the lighting is really needed
- if the light needs to be on all night
- how much light is needed and keep it to the minimum
- if there is anything you can do to avoid light pollution, such as changing the angle of the light so it only shines on your property
Security lighting
If you are installing security lights:
- make sure lights are adjusted so that they only light the area you intend to and not anyone else’s property
- make sure the lights only pick up movement on your property
- for a domestic property a 150w bulb is bright enough
- angle the light downwards, below 70 degrees
Making these changes will also save you energy and money.
Other information
Defra Guidance - Statutory Nuisance Artificial Light.