You can report light pollution if the source is unusually bright (for example, it prevents you from sleeping). We cannot take action if normal levels of artificial light shine into your property.
We advise you to speak with your neighbour first about your issue. This usually leads to a solution being reached more quickly and will help to maintain positive relations with your neighbour. You can suggest to your neighbour that they:
- move or partially shade the light
- fit an infra-red sensor
- use a lower wattage bulb as they are much cheaper and more energy efficient.
Make a light nuisance complaint
If your neighbour is unwilling to make any changes after you speak to them, please report it to us by email to contact@chorley.gov.uk.
When you make a complaint we will:
- contact your neighbour to tell them that a complaint has been made and the details of the complaint
- ask you to keep a diary so we can see when, how long, how often the nuisance occurs and how it affects your life at home, these are official witness statements that can be used in court
- try to gather evidence (such as witness accounts and recordings) to pursue legal action if the neighbour continues to cause problems
- serve fines if someone is found guilty of failing to comply with an Abatement Notice or Community Protection Notices, and possibly seize equipment if the problem continues.
Please note that a nuisance investigation requires the gathering of robust evidence that will provide support to a criminal prosecution, therefore the weight of evidence required is significant and may take some time to collect.
We may find that after our investigation there is not enough evidence for us to take formal action. However, you may still take private action to resolve an issue that you believe is causing a nuisance. At this stage we will provide you with information that may assist you in pursuing a private action.
Bright light from any of the following sources is protected from being classed as a nuisance so we do not get involved with:
- railways
- bus stations
- public service vehicle operating centres
- goods vehicle operating centres.
If you experience light pollution from one of the above sources, you may still be able to make a case in civil law and you should seek independent legal advice.
Your identity
If we need to pursue legal action to resolve your complaint, and you are happy for us to do so, your identity may be revealed to your neighbour during legal proceedings. For example, your neighbour will have a legal right to know who made a complaint against them if they decide to appeal an Abatement Notice in court. You could also be required to give evidence if the case goes to court.
Please note we do not investigate anonymous complaints because they could be malicious.