Nuisance problems
This page explains what is meant by a nuisance. It gives a number of examples of nuisances.
Statutory nuisances can include the following:
- Noise, including barking dogs
- Smoke from garden bonfires
- Odour from industrial premises
- Dust
- Light Pollution
In general terms, a statutory nuisance is a problem that is persistent and regular and interferes substantially and unreasonably with your well being, comfort or enjoyment of your property.
If we decide that your problem is not a statutory nuisance, we can offer you advice, including the option to take your own private action.
If you have a nuisance problem we suggest you first approach whoever is causing it, as very often they are not aware of what is happening.
Most problems can be resolved informally and you may get a quicker result by dealing with your neighbour directly.
If you have tried this and the problem has continued, we suggest that you record a diary of dates and times of incidents and the effect that they have on you.
This will help us to assess your evidence and decide whether a statutory nuisance exists.
Contact us to request a diary record sheet.
Frequently Asked Questions (4)
There is nothing to stop this but remember amplified sound and/or a live band will increase the chances of causing a noise disturbance to your neighbours.
Generally speaking, we do not encourage live, amplified music at private homes as most homes in Oadby, Wigston and South Wigston are very close to others and there is a good chance that the noise will cause a disturbance.
We strongly advise that you finish at a time that neighbours will consider reasonable.
Again there is nothing to stop this but the longer noise is made, the greater is the chance that you could cause a statutory nuisance and that your neighbours will have a genuine complaint.
If you must have a number of parties over two or more days, you should make extra sure that your neighbours are prepared for this and agree with them acceptable finish times. These times might be earlier than you would like, but where people live close together and are easily affected by activities at someone else’s home, you do need to show consideration and courtesy.
Fireworks are inherently dangerous explosives and need to be used with extreme care.
Always follow the safety advice on the instructions.
Your garden should be sufficiently large to enable guests to stand well away from the lighting area and it is not a good idea for someone under the influence of alcohol to light them.
There are also time restrictions when the law allows fireworks to be lit.
Visit our fireworks page for more advice about using fireworks safely and within the law.
There are no specific restrictions or times that relate to parties in private homes. However the police can take action if you or your guests cause a disturbance and the council can take action if the noise from the party causes a nuisance.
A nuisance can occur at any time but is more likely to cause disturbance to others at night..
See our information on statutory nuisance for more details of what the council can do.
Last updated: Wednesday, 18 January 2012 5:52 pm
