You can report offensive smells from residential properties, industrial premises, development sites, and some farming practices to us.
What is a bad smell or odour?
For an odour to be considered an offence, it must affect a person's quality of life.
We will investigate smoke, fumes, dust and odours coming from:
- Bonfires and burning
- Out of control bonfires should be reported immediately to the fire service on 999.
- Chimney smoke
- Industrial air pollution coming from businesses such as:
- Commercial (Business premises)
- Developments (Building sites)
- Industrial (Warehouses/Factories).
- Agricultural smells
- Drains and sewers.
Considerations before reporting
- The issue must be affecting you in your home
- It must have happened on more than one occasion
- You need to complete a diary record to evidence the issue
- Speak to the person or business responsible for the pollution first, if possible
- By reporting this, you may need to give evidence in court if we determine a statutory nuisance is occurring.
Complete a witness observation diary
Before completing the report form, you will first need to complete a witness observation diary detailing how and when you are being affected by the air pollution.
Complete the witness observation diary for 14 days. Once complete, you can report the issue to us using the online form, where you will also be able to upload your completed diary. We may ask you to complete further diaries if there is an ongoing investigation.
If the cause of the problem is not listed above please contact us for further advice.