Types of statutory nuisance

From time to time, we receive complaints regarding:

• light pollution of the night sky
• loss of light due to high hedges, neighbours trees etc
• interference by light due to security lights shining in bedrooms etc

Light pollution of the night sky

Unfortunately the Council currently has no power to deal with light pollution of the night sky. The Building and Development Services may take into account factors that affect the amenity of an area when considering individual planning applications.  

Further information on light pollution of the night sky see this link Campaign to Protect Rural England website.

Loss of light due to hedges

High hedges affecting the reasonable enjoyment of domestic property feature in the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, for further information and to download a high hedge complaint form you should see our high hedges webpage.

Light shining into rooms

Since 6 April 2006 the Council can investigate light that affects a person in their property under the statutory nuisance provision of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

For further information please email us: environmental.protection@reigate-banstead.gov.uk

Minimising light nuisance from external lights

If you are installing security and other lights, then more information on minimising light nuisance can be found on the Getting Light Right publication (Gov.UK website).

Further information

Please visit our statutory nuisance explained webpage.