Odour and Dust Nuisance

The Neighbourhood Services Team investigate complaints regarding odour and dust.

These complaints are dealt with under section 79 and 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and are investigated to determine whether a statutory nuisance exists.

Odour

For an odour to be a nuisance the frequency, duration and strength are taken into account.

There are no set levels or measuring devices to detect odour; investigations can take time.

We rely on you to provide us with as much information as possible. Keeping notes of weather conditions can also assist officers’ investigations.

Typical sources of odour complaints arise from:

Commercial Kitchens
Industrial Processes

Please note:

We do not investigate agricultural odour complaints unless the smell is excessive and persistent.

We do not deal with cooking or drug odours from residential properties.

Dust

For dust to be classed as a nuisance it would have to be substantial enough to be interfering with your enjoyment of your property or prejudicial to health.

Dust complaints normally arise from:

Construction Sites
Industrial Process

Some processes are permitted e.g. quarrying process, and are therefore regulated by different legislation – in this instance the Environmental Permitting Regulations.