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Other Nuisances
Light
Light pollution is probably best described as artificial light that is allowed to illuminate or pollute areas not intended to be lit. As well as intrusive light, sky glow and poor lighting can also cause pollution.
Local authorities receiving complaints about light in England can now assess whether the light is a nuisance under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005. This extends the nuisance provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, to cover artificial light emitted from premises, (excluding transport facilities, freight depots, lighthouses, defence premises and prisons).
Further information about light pollution can be found on the Environmental Protection UK website.
Odour, Dust & Accumulations
In accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (part 3), the council has a duty to investigate complaints about pollution, including odour and emissions nuisance. Odour and emissions nuisance can include smoke, fumes, gases, dust, steam and any bad odours.
A complaint is justified if the emissions coming from a premises affect people’s health or affect the use or living conditions of another premises.
Typical complaints of this type come from smoking chimneys, dust from building and demolition sites and cooking smells from restaurants. Complaints about domestic smells are not covered by this legislation and so cannot be dealt with by the council.
Smoke
The Environmental Protection Team work closely with Enforcement to investigate bonfires. The Enforcement Team go out to bonfires when they are initially reported to try and resolve the situation. Environmental Protection only become involved if the bonfire is a recurring problem.
Smoke Control Zones
There are currently three smoke control zones in North Hertfordshire. A full A-Z list of roads within the three zones is available on the smoke control zones page.
Contact Details
To report a nuisance or for further information, please contact the Environmental Protection team via the Customer Service Centre on 01462 474000, at service@north-herts.gov.uk or at the following address;
Environmental Protection Team
North Hertfordshire District Council
Council Offices
Gernon Road
Letchworth Garden City
Herts
SG6 3JF