Light Nuisance

The best form of communication initially is in person. WRS advocates such engagement as many problems are caused inadvertently due to a lack of foresight, change in concerns about security, poor perception etc. In our experience this is often the most successful means of resolving problems and preventing them recurring. 

Our Advice : -

• Do not approach your neighbour in the heat of the moment or late at night concerning your problem. Try to engage them at times of the day such as the weekend to discuss your concern.

• Do not tell your neighbour what they should do or threaten them with the local authority. 

• Try to engage in casual conversation prior to raising your concerns as an ice breaker to introduce your problem this is less likely to instigate a defensive response. possibly suggest that they should stand outside with you to discucss the light and invite them to the affected location on your property to see the problem for themselves.

• Listen to your neighbour try to be understanding their circumstance also. By doing this it is likely to lead to common ground and an agreement of what will be done to ease the problem.

On occasions neighbourly communication may be unsuccessful due to a number of reasons and an alternative method of communicating may be through a friendly letter.

Our Advice : -

• WRS have prepared 3 sample letters that you can download and edit to suit your particular circumstance. They are graded in order of formality from friendly request to a final demand.

• Begin keeping an accurate record of the problem using the downloadable diary

Letter 2 - Intermediate request

Letter 3 - Final request prior to formal complaint

Diary record form

You can edit these letter using the following free document editors : -

Microsoft Office starter (windows computers only)

Libre Office (PC,Mac & Linux)

Microsoft Word (Android)

If all informal processes of engagement have failed then you can make a service request for assistance. You can only progress if you can demonstrate that you have made reasonable efforts to engage your neighbours in an attempt to resolve the problems that you are experiencing.

To make a service request please click please use our light nuisance service request form

If you are affected by the impacts of artificial light 

DEFRA guidance state that it is sometimes recommended that a complaint of artificial light nuisance could easily be mitigated by the use of curtains or blinds, even blackout curtains or blinds, by the complainant. It might be reasonable to expect a complainant to use curtains or blinds of everyday standard if they are bothered by unwanted light in their home. It might not be reasonable to require a complainant to purchase and install blackout hangings which might be expensive, and/or impair that person’s enjoyment of his property. 

Skyglow is a urban light pollution phenomena that goes beyond the legislative jurisdiction of the Local Authority. Sky-glow may interfere with the sky at night and the interests of astronomers however it cannot be dealt with as a statutory nuisance.

If you have concerns over potential light pollution from a new or proposed development you should contact the planning department. However not all new lighting requires planning consent, for example domestic security lighting.